- roller coasters
- getting fat
- broken heart
- having acne for the rest of my life
- failing in school
- not getting accepted to SUNY Purchase
- people thinking I will never make it
- breaking up with my girlfriend
- scary movies!
- insects, rats, mice
- infections/viruses/ diseases
- the government/ politics
- money
- the dark
- Freddy killing me in my sleep
One of the many things I'm afraid of are roller coasters. When I went to Six Flags with my mom and brother, they tried to force me onto one. "Nicole, stop being so dramatic, you are getting on the Superman before we leave this park!" my mom said with a smirk, but I could still hear the seriousness in her voice. On her demand, as she gestured toward the hour-long line, a wave of tiny oceans appeared in my eyes. I begrudgingly walked towards the crowd of people. I was alone in a sea of thrilled, enthusiastic people. I remember thinking "wow, how could they possibly like putting themselves in danger this way?" I looked up as we moved forward in the line, staring at the red, rusty, creepy loops and sharp turns. Soon, I was strapped in my seat, feet dangling, complaining about all the dangerous possibilities, and off I went.
2) things I would die for:
- my mom, dad, brother, girlfriend
- to make a change in the United States (education, environmental, governmental)
- international peace/ global peace
One person I would definitely die for is my best friend/girlfriend. Not only has she been around for years, but she has influenced me deeply, shown me attributes I didn't know I have, and easily directed me toward my goals and passions. She is the most caring, selfless, and talented person I know, along with having admirable intelligence and drive. She's the best person in the world and if it came down to it, I would give up my life to protect and ensure hers. I know without question, she would do the same for me. We are equal.
3) things you are passionate about:
- children and education
- having an influence over people, even my age
- community service
- writing!
I am passionate about children and education. I say they both go hand-in-hand. I want to be a teacher and eventually administrator at a school. I see kids in my after school program cursing and fighting and not doing school work. This is the negative alternative to not having an influential figure or action in their lives. Even realistically, I know I won't be able to tell the youth how to live their lives, but I want to influence through action, like many teachers have done to me. Ms. Walsh, Ms. Hanemann, and Ms. Moore have all impacted my work-ethic, dedication, and positive demeanor.
4) things I can afford to change:
- selfishness
- "pusher"
- low confidence
- jealous
- anxiety
- sensitivity
- constant anger
- "downer"
One flaw I'm constantly reminded of is how I push people. So many times I've been unsatisfied with people around me and their performance, and almost compulsively try to push for change. I push to be close to some, and, therefore, end up doing the opposite. I lose people effortlessly. Even though I'm aware I push people away with my negativity, I can't stop it from happening. No matter if it's small or not, I constantly find something to complain or be hurt over. Living life always unsatisfied is really saddening.
5) things I wish I had:
- enough money to go to college and never be in debt
- stable relationships with people
- more clothes/shoes
- better hair
- better complexion
- an open-minded mother
- more time in each day
The school of my choice is SUNY Purchase, my second is Manhattanville. But no matter which school I choose or get accepted to, there is always a high price. Higher education is indeed expensive. Most people like me can save money for years, and still not have enough money to pay full tuition. Personally, my mother makes "too much" in her salary for me to be qualified for a large amount of financial aid. Unfortunately, that money has to come out of my parents' hard work, and student loans. When I was younger, I always said I wouldn't resort to loans because, ultimately, I'd have to pay back at least double the amount of loans. That's why my wish is to go to my top college for free!
6) things I am good at:
- writing
- organizing
- working
- crocheting
- texting
- giving advice/being supportive
I like to think I'm "good" at writing. It is somewhat of an extreme hobby for me, a passion you can even say. I've known I loved to write since I was in elementary school, as young as a 4th grader. I write in a journal more and more, not because it's now a class requirement, but because I'm developing as a writer and using it as a tool. I felt strongly connected to Whatever Works (chapter 1) in our textbooks. The author discusses that for some, writing is what keeps the angry dogs in their cage. For me, if I cannot get my thoughts out, I start to feel as though I belong in the "loony bin". I haven't explored a variety of writing styles, but I know I'm strong in academic papers. Free writing and drafting has helped me get the A's I needed in plenty of English and History essays.
7) things I find gross:
- sometimes, girls
- killing bugs/animals
- potty mouths
- Italian sausages
- curry vegetable soup
- scary movies/gruesome scenes
- Modern Warfare (x-box game)
In my neighborhood (L.E.S), I walk down the street and my five senses become alarmed with corruption. The things I hear and see are disturbing day by day. Working at an after school program is an accurate glimpse of what our youth is like today. Not only do I see 6- year olds (in kindergarten!), talking on their boost mobiles and sidekicks, but I hear foul language and just plain negativity. Hearing the gossip and things youngsters talk about on a normal day makes me wince. Part of my passions and goals are to be able to set a positive influence and reverse the affect of this rotting era, in terms of children.
8) places I want to go/have gone:
- Brazil
- China
- India
- El Salvador
- Australia
- Italy
- California
have gone: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, Long Island, Delaware, Philadelphia, Connecticut, New Jersey.
A place I have visited is Jamaica. Arriving in Montego Bay, I could literally smell the warmth as I stepped off the plane. This trip has been my happiest vacation so far. I went with my mom, her friend, her daughter, and my brother. After a stressful school year, I was able to enter another country where I could just forget about home, rid myself of drama and negative emotions, and not use electronics! I went jet-skiing, the resort was so beautiful with beaches and pools, space, bars, buffets! We went on tours and had authentic Jamaican food. It was "the life". No way did I ever want to come back to reality. But in 5 day's time, I was on my way back to crowds, arguments, work, and to the rush that city brings.
9) things I want to accomplish:
- become a teacher...principal...open a school
- change someone's life
- get married and have children
- travel the world before settling down
- study something totally random in college
- do yoga
I feel like the most fun profession is teaching. Although it has its ups and downs like all careers, teaching to me is the most hands-on community service a person can give. Combining my love of writing, advising, and community service, teaching is my top career choice. I feel so sure, like I've got my eye on the prize. Family members have complained and said I'm above it and they'd want me to make more money, but I don't worry about that. I want to wake up in the morning and feel happy about going to work. I want to work where I can potentially make a difference to emerging generations.
10) favorite foods:
- soul food (candy yams, collard greens, mac&cheese, potato salad....)
- Italian food
- Chinese food
- Salvadoran food (Pupusas, orchata, yuca, sopa de mariscos, tamales con crema)
- Puerto Rican food (bacalao, soruillos, alcapurrias, empanadas, arroz con habichuelas, ensalada)
- Thai food
- Veggies like broccoli, green beens, onions, corn on the cob, and tofu
I don't really have a "favorite" food, it's more like "many" favorites. One category I can say I love dearly is "soul food". My mom is half black, so we used to spend a lot of time with my family in Maryland, especially on holidays. I ate endless plates full of macaroni and cheese, candy yams, stuffing, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and coconut cake. After my grandmother and aunt passed away, we barely had any of this food, and we still don't visit Maryland that often.
