America Takes a Stand

In my opinion, the most valuable part was when Candido dove in the dumpster for food. He had just been attacked, beaten up, and robbed. Already down on his luck, Candido decides to take control and hop into a dumpster in order to provide food to his pregnant partner. Her reaction, though, is what makes this part of the book valuable. Up until that point America went along with every bad decision Candido made. He drunk their money away and was physically and verbally abusive towards her. However, the dumpster incident changed everything. America finally puts her foot down. She is genuinely shocked my Candido’s actions and expresses her disbelief. “Was he crazy?” She decided right then and there she was tired of Candido’s ways. America decided she wanted to go home. She didn’t want to sleep on the ground anymore or keep chasing the “American dream,” that was never going to happen. It was like America was in a state of depression. She grew catatonic, quit washing herself, and stopped talking to Candido altogether. The dumpster incident made America realize this wasn’t the life she wanted to live. “Maybe you can live like this, but not me,” America cried. It was the lowest part in her life and changed how she felt about Candido.  

My Thoughts: Cause and Effect Analysis

When I first started this research paper I had no idea what Hodgkin lymphoma was. I knew about Danielle, but I didn't know exactly her situation. Learning about the cancer I discovered how teens are more likely to get this disease. It got me thinking as to how many teenagers are completely blind and uninformative about cancer. Sure everyone knows about breast cancer, but do they know what cancers they are most likely to be diagnosed with as teenagers? That’s my purpose with this topic. To make teenagers, families, and communities more aware of cancers that can potentially affect their loved ones. Recognizing symptoms is one part of it, but taking the next step to see a doctor is crucial.

       I learned more about Danielle than I would ever thought. I respected her and liked her, but after going through this process I feel like I genuinely look up to her. She is someone I strive to be. Her bravery, strength, and overall positivism are qualities I strive to obtain. Danielle said a lot of things that shocked me. What she learned in going through this process made me appreciate her. I learned to not take life for granite. To value it and the people around you. Danielle had a lot of support around her when she was going through this, and for that she is thankful. I agreed with a lot of what Danielle said. She wants people to be more cancer aware and so do I. It’s tough, but if everyone is more aware then lives can possible be saved. There are so many benefits and one is having the knowledge to save your life. Overall, I learned so much with this research paper and couldn't be happier with the result. 

Speak by Laurie Malse Anderson

   The book out of my past that I can remember 
reading is Speak by Laurie Malse Anderson. I read it when I was in the eighth grade. I found this book because it was in my school’s library. Every week we had to pick a book from the library and read it. I was drawn by the cover of this book. Leaves and trees are two things I’m weirdly obsessed with. Speak is about a girl named Melinda and how one party changed her life. Melinda and her best friend attended a high school party. She met a boy who took advantage of her, so she called the police. However, things got worse for Melinda. All of her friends turned their backs on her and her best friend even started to date the guy who hurt Melinda. Because of everything, Melinda stopped speaking. Through art class, Melinda became brave enough to express herself without words. I remember this book because of how strong Melinda became towards the end. She confronted her attacker and finally found her voice. My favorite parts in the book is Melinda’s personality. She’s funny, sarcastic, and very honest. I don’t think I would recommend this book to anyone in class. It’s more for someone who’s in middle or high school. However, anybody who wants to read it can. There’s even a movie based off of the book. It was made in 2004 and Kristen Stewart plays Melinda. 

Danielle's Words

Name: Danielle Flores

Age: 16

1.      How old were you when you were diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

“I was 15. I turned 15 in March and I got diagnosed in August.”

2.      What were your first thoughts/reactions when you heard the news?

“I was mostly mad because I wouldn’t be able to go to school. I had just made varsity cheer, so I was bummed I couldn’t continue that.”

3.      Can you explain the treatment you went through?

“I did six cycles of chemotherapy, which is injected into me. It’s a liquid and they put it through an IV. After, I did two of radiation. The chemo made me lose my hair and gave me other side effects like nausea and joint pain.”

4.      Explain some of the challenges you had within yourself.

“During radiation I lost twenty pounds because I couldn’t keep anything down. I kept throwing up from the radiation being on my stomach. I think the biggest challenges I had were definitely losing my hair and not feeling good to go anywhere. I gained a lot of weight during chemo because I had to take steroids to keep my immune system up, but then I lost it during radiation.”

5.      How did you deal with those challenges?

“I just tried to think positive and tell myself that it wasn’t going to last forever. There are other kids going through much worse types of cancer.”

6.      What did you know about Hodgkin lymphoma before you were diagnosed with it?

“I didn’t even know what I was honestly. I didn’t know there were so many different types of cancers.”

7.      How did your family impact your recovery?

“They all helped me feel better by texting me often, asking how I was feeling, and inviting me to hang out if I wanted to talk. My grandma helped me a lot too. She helped take me to radiation because it was in San Diego every day for two weeks straight. She even offered to shave her head when I lost my hair.”

8.      How did you keep yourself connected with friends and loved ones?

“I didn’t really worry about talking to my friends because I wasn’t feeling up to hanging out or trying to talk to anyone. I definitely learned who my real friends were.”

9.      What are some hobbies you discovered and pursued during your recovery?

“I learned how to crotchet and I really got addicted to it for a while. I have a ton of unfinished scarves and yarn in a bin. I also read a lot.”

10.  Now a year later, what can you tell me about your experience having Hodgkin lymphoma? What did you learn?

“I learned that I shouldn’t take life for granted and not to just think of people who look different because they have a disease are strange. I used to not think that cancer could happen to anyone. It opened my eyes to see that it can. And I think everyone should be aware of it. I remember being in a restaurant with my beanie and people were staring at me like I was super strange. I didn’t like it. So I definitely learned to not judge people because they’re different. To try to understand and know what they’re going through personally instead.” 

It Came. We Fought. I won.

                                        Tina Perez English 110 Jay Lewenstein

The message is clear: It came. We fought. I won. The meaning, however, is deeper. “It” is referring to Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a cancer. The poster is simple. Along with those brief sentences there is a silhouette of a woman wearing purple boxing gloves. The woman is in a victorious pose with her right hand in the air. She has large dramatic wings along the upper portion of her body. The words, “Cancer Survivor” is in bold blocked letters on the bottom of the poster. Purple is a prominent color throughout the picture. There is also a purple ribbon on the poster.

        The creator of this poster wants to spread the message of survival. To be proud of yourself for conquering such tough obstacles. The gloves signify a fight. A battle within yourself that was won. The strength and courage it took to overcome cancer is worth celebrating. “We” is everyone that helped the patient get to that point. Family members, friends, and communities that are supportive mean the world. No one can do it alone. I like that the poster acknowledges others, but also doesn’t take the victory away from the cancer patient. Purple is the color of Hodgkin lymphoma. The wings represent bravery. Facing fears and overcoming tough times give you the power to make you feel like you can fly. Like your unstoppable and nothing can bring you down. The intended audience is females. There is a women on the poster and it calls for female empowerment. Although no facial features are detectable, the figure appears female. The author uses pathos in order to reach viewers. The words are emotional, especially to a cancer survivor. They hold a lot of meaning and honesty.

       The words of the advertisement emphasize the picture with symbolism. “Fought” is one of the words used and boxing gloves are shown on the poster. Those two go hand in hand. The words “I won,” are also used and in the poster the female is in a victorious pose with one of her hands held up in the air. It reminds me of a boxing match. The referee signifies a winner by raising their arm up in the air. It’s the same concept. The only thing the creator left out on this poster would be some male influence. I think a more balanced poster should appeal to both genders.

With Brave Wings, She Flies

       Tattoos are permanent designs or markings on skin that differ from person to person. Tattoos are unique and are used to freely express personal beliefs or relive valuable memories. Not everyone believes in tattoos, but for others tattoos mean way more than the ink on their skin. The tattoo I chose to write about is the one I am going to be getting in a couple of months. It’s a textual message that says, “With Brave Wings, She Flies.” It will be placed on my upper right shoulder. Reason being is because I can hide it with clothes and it won’t be so noticeable compared to other areas of the body. I've wanted to get this tattoo for a couple of months now. It is something that I know for a fact I want to have done in the near future. There are many reasons why someone would get a certain tattoo. The motivation behind me wanting to get this specific tattoo is to push myself. To not keep putting it off, like I have been for y ears already. The meaning of the tattoo, however, is the main reason why I am getting it done. The tattoo is simple, yet the message holds the real meaning. Tattoos possess messages so powerful, it resonates not only with the individual, but with others as well.    

In my opinion, the message is clear and I connect with it on a deeper level. The message gives me courage and inspires me to be fearless. It gives me the insurance of knowing I can do absolutely anything if I’m brave enough. That once I accomplish my dreams or goals, I can have the freedom to do whatever else comes my way. For example, learning how to drive, moving out on my own, and starting a new job. All of those things I can handle because of the strength my tattoo will give me. This tattoo will motivate me, but also inspire others. When someone looks at it, they’ll be curious as to what it might mean. It will be my pleasure to then use my words to help give others determination and inspiration. I think it is important for tattoos to have some significance on people. Tattoos can be used to spread a positive message where hundreds of people will see it in a person’s lifetime. Tattoos have the power to heal and give closure. No matter what the reason, tattoos are a form of self-expression and encourage individuality. Who you are as a person comes across on the ink on your skin.       

 Tina Perez