Journal Project

For my Journey in Literature class, I had to carry around a journal in which I had to write on 5 times a week till I reached 40 entries. I  will admit that when I was assigned this task, I was a bit skeptical. I thought it was going to be a drag since I hate being forced to do stuff, especially writing or reading, I like to do it on my own account. I began the project and got really involve with it. Having a journal was having an outlet to speak up, rant, pour your emotions on a piece of paper, vent or just talk about anything and everything. Also, not having any writing limitations or have to focus on the lettering being perfect was very ideal for this project. Less distraction, more writing.  I would write in my journal almost everyday and write about what was on my mind or what was bothering me at the time. I was able to focus on communicating my emotions and try to comprehend myself better as a person through the daily entries. I like having a journal because I can look back and see the progress and emotional development Ive made in a certain period of time. The life compasses were also great since it helped me figure out how my emotions or the state that I was in would influence the pace and content of what I was writing. I noticed that if my physical state was low, I would write slower whereas if my emotional or mental state was low, I would write more since I would want to talk about what made me get to such a low point or such a low emotional state. I did more than 10 life compasses, which was the requirement , and they helped me understand that I need to start taking care of myself more. I realized that my physical state being so poor this semester, has to do with my lack of self care. I also enjoyed the multi genre projects since I was able to express myself artistically and create something new. Collages are definitely an activity that maybe will turn into a hobby someday. The"first thought best thought" writing skill was one I applied with every entry. I would go into automatic mode when I would start writing and let the pen carry me. I would tune out everything that surrounded me and focused on getting my words on the paper. Having a journal was a great experience and I will definitely try to maintain the act of writing. Looking back, I don't know how I would have survived this semester without my journal. We all need healthy coping mechanisms to help us in times of struggle and a journal can be just that. I am very grateful for being assigned this project and hope that I was not the only one in the group that benefited from it. The freedom in writing is something we take in vain sometimes so let us not forget the limitless flow of the black ink on the blank page of endless projections.

Crossroads

On this spring semester, I was assigned to a group called Crossroads. The group consisted of Francellys Maysonet, Janeliz Roman,Jose Oyola, Ashley Diaz and myself. We each had our own strenghts that we could bring to the table. Ashley would helps us get out of rut and ask questions to the teacher. Both Janeliz and Francellys were our researchers, bringing us new information that could benefit the group exercise. Jose was always responsible and would share some bright ideas and insights in the group discussion. While I was reading the reflection of my other team members, they would refer to me as the group leader which I did not identify with at all. I don't really consider myself a leader and I prefer being a follower, I don't know maybe it has something to do with my anxiety or something. Working on group projects can be kind of a drag because you never know what  to expect of every team member, whether they will contribute or not. I can happily say that every member of my group would contribute in some way to every group activity. In total, we did four group activities. I will admit, my group and I would sometimes get frustrated over the lack of time we would have in order to get everything organized. Group projects can be a bit nerve wracking since most of time, you are going to work with new people and socializing can be really draining...for me at least. Its kind of funny how socializing takes a big toll on me and my department is Communications. I literally need to be on hand, working with people for the rest of my career. Every future project of mine will be a team effort. Team effort is key and I was fortunate enough to work alongside other people who think the same way Being the note taker was very interesting for me because I would write down all the ideas that were  thrown out during our brainstorming sessions. We would go at our own pace to answer the discussion questions that were assigned to us.Each member would offer or bring something to the table. It was a great experience and I am very grateful that have had responsible and efficient people in my group which usually never happens to me in other classes. Shout out to Francellys, Janeliz, Jose and Ashley for believing in team work and in Crossroads.

Onward...

I decided to take a walk around my neighborhood. I live in an apartment building but the entire condominium consists of two large buildings (11 floors each) , a park, a tennis court, a basketball court, a pool, what used to be a supermarket and it's now an abandoned space, and the entire parking lot which surrounds the two buildings. I stepped out of my buildings lobby , with my "new eyes" and went onward. I was walking on the sidewalk. The bushes on the side of the building were locate on my left side. The bushes were green with red flowers, but I noticed for the first time that there were also white flowers. The flowers contrasted with the grey building. The building had a crack on the wall, running up all the way up to the second floor. It was about 5:00 pm and golden hour was upon me. The suns golden rays illuminated my path and everything around me, changing from gold to a rose golden peach. I continued walking and crossed the street of the parking lot to get to the abandoned property that used to be a supermarket I could see the fence that surrounds the complex, a fence that served as a protective barrier during the first weeks after hurricane Maria. Cars surrounded me, I notice the yellow paint of the parking lines was chipping, which only reminded me of the buildings permanence There was a dumpster in the distance, it was green and rusty. I kept moving and saw bees buzzing about a patch of flowers. I looked up towards my building and felt like a little kid again. It towered over me like some type of giant. I saw two kids hiding behind a car while smoking some reefer. They looked at me as if saying "you gonna snitch?" and I just tilted my head and walked. I am currently walking around the second building and I am approaching the community garden. Its basically a greenhouse with a planting area outside of it that its surrounded by a chain link fence. There were small pots of plants with names written on them. I moved towards the basketball court. The tennis court was lit by two post lamps. I saw the park and the swings were moving slowly as if someone had just finished playing with them but there was no one around. I  was completely alone, Not one person to observe.  I kept moving. I though I knew this place that I call home but I noticed new things in my expedition even though I have lived in this building since I was about 4 or 5 years old. The familiar became unfamiliar. I kept moving and saw a dog walking around the fence. It looked lost and scared. I wanted to cry. There was nothing I could do.I decided to head back to my buildings lobby and call it a day. As I walked on the sidewalk, surrounded by cars, I couldn't help but wonder what else is there to see?