Luz Almonte - My Observations

Luz Almonte. 

Colombia

 

My Observations

            I came to the United States at a young age and had many expectations of life and thought about returning to my country one day. In Colombia I was a fashion designer by profession, but my life has changed 180 degrees after arriving here in the United States. I changed everything completely, and it was a very beautiful experience. From the first day I arrived in the United States, I loved it. I thank God and bless him I am here. I owe everything to this country. I love Colombia, but if I have to take up arms, I would do it for this country. On the other hand, there have also been things here that haven’t been so great.

As I have stated, my life changed 180 degrees after coming here, and I was practically reborn in this country, blessed by God with a family, a husband and two wonderful children, who were raised with a high level of principles, morals and good customs. However, as they were growing up, I started comparing the education system here, which my children experienced, to the system in Colombia. As time went by, I became more and more disappointed with the few productive things that my children were learning and the general culture that surrounded them. I saw the curriculum, the system and everything was changing and not for the better, but for the worse. I had very strong clashes with teachers and with the system itself that I did not understand. I didn't understand why they did not continue teaching them such beautiful things as knowing how to write well or even to have good spelling. The school system didn’t teach creative things such as drawing or painting. Nor did my children learn much about economics or geography and the different cultures of the world or the national capitals. In short, there were a number of things that I learned which were no longer being taught. 

So many things changed from when I was growing up, and not for the better. The curriculum now seems to have changed to disorient the youth and actually make them subservient to a handful of people who want to manipulate them for their own self-interests. Gender roles are now being questioned, and even the English language, which I have struggled to learn, is changing. New words are added regularly which seem strange. For example, the word “woke” has a strange meaning now. I learned this word as “woke up” meaning to stop sleeping. However, now if you’re “not woke” it seems that you just don’t understand the new cultural values. Another example is how pronouns are changing. I learned that female pronouns were “she” and “her.” Male pronouns were “he” and “him.” Now many people just use the neutral “they” and “them,” which I learned was for more than one person. It’s very confusing and I don’t think it helps communication 

One last issue that we may not have any control over because of advances in technology, and that is the use of electronic devices and social media. Now young people seem to be losing social skills when interacting with each other. Instead of just having conversations with each other, they spend a lot of time on their mobile devices texting each other or looking at videos on phone apps. This happens even when they are spending time together. 

Hopefully, these issues will someday change and schools will go back to teaching basic educational and people will start to focus more on each other instead of on electronic devices. I think this is a great country with unlimited opportunities for success, which is unique in most other countries. I am hoping for a better future for everyone.

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island

Xiaoqi Lin - Living Florida VS. living in New York

Xiaoqi Lin

China

 

Living Florida VS. living in New York

I moved to New York from Florida one year ago, and I’ve come to love New York even more than Florida. Based on the time I have lived in these two places; I will discuss the differences between these two places according to my experience.

Florida is a large state known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant tourism, including attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, Miami’s shopping centers, art museums, and the scenic Key West. The state also has a unique ecosystem with diverse wildlife, such as alligators and manatees. However, compared to New York, life in Florida feels slower. Entertainment spots are often spread out, making driving an essential part of daily life, as well as running for errands, it took much more time on driving. When I first arrived in Florida, I traveled to many attractions. But after the initial excitement wore off, I found life there somewhat monotonous. With attractions located far from each other, it’s common to visit just one place per day, or even stay overnight for some destinations. Besides, it is not full of excitement if you can see the beautiful sea every day.

In contrast, living in New York offers endless excitement. Transportation here is more convenient than in Florida. While in Florida, I had to rely on driving, which I don’t particularly enjoy. New York’s diverse transit options make it easy to explore the city without needing a car. Known as “The Big Apple”, New York City is a popular destination for attracting tourists from all over the world. Tourists come to see the famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, the World Trade Center, Wall Street, and Broadway’s theater district. In addition, the city has numerous museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History, which are particularly appealing to me as a museum enthusiast. Getting around to visit these places is simple and easy thanks to New York’s extensive transportation network. Living in Staten Island, I often take the SIM express bus to Manhattan to explore the city. There’s so much to do in New York that, even after a year, I’m far from bored. Moreover, New York’s diverse landscapes change beautifully with the seasons. For example, with autumn here, it’s the perfect time to visit upstate, hike around Bear Mountain, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of red and orange foliage. I prefer living somewhere with four distinct seasons rather than a warmer climate because it’s exciting to experience changing landscapes and the passage of time. However, the biggest concerns about living in New York are safety and traffic. As a high-density city, New York faces daily crime, chaotic streets, and sometimes limited law enforcement presence. In contrast, Florida generally feels safer, with less traffic congestion. People in Florida also tend to be polite and more laid-back, and the cost of living is lower compared to New York.  

In conclusion, the lifestyle in Florida and in New York are very different, and each has its pros and cons. Even though New York does have many drawbacks like traffic jams and high crime rate, I am still in love with this city’s spontaneity and I’m truly enjoying my life in New York based on my personal interest.

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island

María Fernanda Beltrán Vanegas - Hometown

María Fernanda Beltrán Vanegas 

 

Colombia

 

Hometown

My hometown and New York are two completely different worlds. I was born in Colombia, where people live closely connected and spend time together constantly. Growing up, I was surrounded by family, neighbors, and friends; we played together, explored parks, and enjoyed a strong sense of community. Quality time is a priority, and being close to others is deeply ingrained in Colombian culture. Life revolves around relationships, with family and friends forming an essential part of daily life. Later, I spent time in Argentina, where social life is also central but has a unique cultural twist. People gather frequently, often around barbecues and there’s always a reason to celebrate and be together. Quality of life is emphasized, and it’s common to take a nap in the afternoon. There’s even a “Friendship Day” where everything closes so people can spend time with their friends. Having a family doesn’t mean letting go of friendships; you continue to stay close to childhood friends. In Argentina, the idea of living well and enjoying time with others is a core part of life.

When I moved to New York, adjusting to the social differences was a challenge. Here, people tend to be more reserved and individualistic, with a strong focus on work and personal goals. The pace of life is much faster, and social gatherings don’t happen as naturally as in Colombia or Argentina. People often prioritize work or other commitments over meeting with friends, and sometimes, you need to reach out several times to arrange a get-together. The focus on 

productivity and financial goals can make life feel very different from the community-centered environment I grew up in. During my first year in New York, I often felt lonely, especially during 

the holiday season. December was particularly hard because it seemed like everyone around me was spending time with established friend groups and family, while I was still finding my place. Joining new social circles wasn’t easy, as many people had their close-knit groups that was difficult to break into. However, over time, I started finding a sense of belonging, especially through my boyfriend’s friends. Through his circle, I felt more integrated and connected to a new social scene. Although language can sometimes still be a barrier, I feel more comfortable now, especially as the women in his group tend to be more social and enjoy getting together, similar to Argentina.

Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate the close-knit, community-driven culture of Colombia and Argentina. New York offers a different lifestyle that values independence and ambitions, and while it was initially challenging, I am learning to balance my roots with the new social dynamics I find myself in.    

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island

Misaki Nakamura - Differences Between America and Japan

Misaki Nakamura

Japan

                                       

 

 

Differences Between America and Japan

 

I come from Japan and have been in America since August. Since coming here, I have noticed several differences between Japan and America. Some of these differences are what I like about America and some are what I like about Japan.

First, I find that the people here are very courteous and friendly. For example, if I’m in a crowded place like a café or a bus, and I sneeze, someone always says “God Bless You.” Even though they don’t know me, they are very polite to me. The first time this happened to me I was very surprised, and it made me happy because I felt it created warm and friendly atmosphere. In Japan, it would be very rare for someone to say “God Bless You” to a stranger. They would only say it to someone they know. Another custom that I like is that friends often hug or give a kiss to each other when they say good-bye and sometimes when they say hello. In Japan, this doesn’t happen very often.
On the other hand, I think that people in Japan are more concerned with eating healthier meals than in America. I think a lot of people agree with me that Japanese food is healthier than American food. In Japan, we usually have four dishes in a meal which typically consists of rice, soup, fish and vegetables. In America, many people don’t have such a balanced menu. Obviously, this is not true of all Americans, but it’s something I’ve noticed in the short time 

that I’ve been here. I also get some of my ideas from watching American television shows like “Friends.”

Of course, these are only a few differences that I’ve noticed. The people here are a lot more polite and friendly to strangers than I had expected, and the different foods give me a new experience. Most importantly, my host family and friends at school have made me feel very welcome, so in conclusion, my time here has been great.

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island

Jesus Reyes - My Grandparents' House

Jesus Reyes

Mexico

 

My Grandparents’ House

My special place is my grandparents’ house in my hometown in Mexico because my family and I used to celebrate the holidays all together there. It was really exciting to spend time with them. My grandma always cooked exquisite food, and my cousins and I used to play all day. I remember when my grandparents gave me some advice and told us their stories about their experiences. Their house has a lot of sentimental value to me. I remember when we watched movies all together. It was awesome, but two years ago my parents passed away, and now l only have their photos and a lot of memories. That's why their house is my special place.

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island

Ismael Ouattara - My Trip to Assinie Island in the Ivory Coast

Ismael Ouattara Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast

 

My Trip to Assinie Island in the Ivory Coast

      Last year when I graduated from high school, I decided to go on a 3-day vacation with 5 of my friends to a place in my country, The Ivory Coast, called “Assinie." It’s an island between the sea and a lake. The color of the sea is blue, and the color of the lake is grey or kind of dark. Although the two waters touch, they don’t mix. It seems like an unusual situation.

First, we all climbed into a car. Only one of us was 18 and had a driver’s license, so he did the driving. It was about a 2-hour drive to where we would take a boat to the island, and during the trip, we played and sang songs, had fun and stopped to eat. 

On arrival at the island, we partook in a challenge which consisted of going 2 days straight without sleeping. When we saw someone sleeping, we slapped this person in the face and filmed it. It was a lot of fun, but also a little bit painful. In fact, to avoid getting slapped, I locked myself in the bathroom, so I could get a little sleep. However, I eventually got slapped twice, but it was alright because I was able to return the slaps on the last night.

In addition to this extremely enjoyable, but painful game, we also had many other activities during our stay like playing soccer in the sand, riding jet skis and swimming. Everything was extremely enjoyable. We all had a great time, and I’ll have memories of this trip for years to come.

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island

Yuichiro Anzai - Attractive Point of Brooklyn Bridge

Yuichiro Anzai 

Japan

 

 

Attractive Point of Brooklyn Bridge

New York City has many famous places. One of the most impressive places I have visited is the Brooklyn Bridge. This bridge connected Manhattan and Brooklyn and was completed in 1883. It’s approximately 1834 meters long. It is also the first suspension bridge in the world to use steel wire cables, also known as “steel herbs,” a distinctive wire. It is said to be very artistic and beautiful.

When I visited here, I also liked this bridge because of its design and retro look. First of all, the lower level is a road, and the upper level is walkable and on the ground is a wooden deck. Also, the Brooklyn Bridge offers a night view of Manhattan. It seems as if the lights of skyscrapers and buildings are shining like jewels. It is also a good point to see the Brooklyn Bridge illuminated from Brooklyn Bridge Park. 

In addition, there are trendy cafes and marketplaces near the bridge. At the cafes, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or a sandwich while viewing the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge has been used in movies and dramas. This means that the bridge is very famous. In fact, I was impressed by it when I walked on it. 

For these reasons, the Brooklyn Bridge is my favorite and the most impressive of all the popular places in New York City.  

English Language Institute – College of Staten Island