"Whale Rider" Film by Niki Caro

I really like the movie “Whale Rider” because Paikea, one of the main character, had to struggle with a patriarchal tradition. She fought against this parameter in order to convince Koro, her idolized grandfather, that even though she was a girl, she can be the new chief in their community. Pai achieved many tasks, which were very important for her grandfather. It is incredible that today exist culture where women do not have the same rights as men and they are discriminated only for their gender. Although Pai was a child, she demonstrated that with perseverance, courage, resilience and determination any individual can reach their goals. Undoubtedly, at the end thanks to these qualities she was the rightful successor of Koro.

“Growing Up Old” by Richard Gonzalez

I completely agree with the ideas presented by Richard Gonzalez in his essay “Growing Up Old”. He believes that television negatively influenced our adolescents this is a questionless reality. Also, it is regrettable that teenagers are growing up so quickly. However, we only cannot blame the media because as parents we must care and supervise our children. Today parents are more involved in their own problems rather than in their children' behavior, attitude and friendship. Therefore, as parents, we need to develop a good and honest relationship with our children and help them to live each stage appropriately and completely.

“College Pressure” by William Zinsser

William Zinsser in his essay “College Pressure” shows the most important pressures that most college students usually have to face. He classified these pressures in four groups: economic, parental, peer and self-induced. Also, the author points out how these difficulties affect the student's life. In my opinion, the main effect caused by them is stress and definitely it can lower the student performance. It is pretty hard to deal with any kind of pressure, but students need to learn how to manage them in order to be successful. Life is full of difficult situations, so if you as a student wants to achieve your goals, you need to focus on your studies. In addition, keeping in mind that your priority must be to finish college and be the best in your area.

"My Wood" by E.M. Foster

I really like how E.M. Foster in his essay "My Wood" explains the most important psychological effects that involves being a property owner. These effects include the lose of autonomy, greediness, pretentiousness and selfishness. Definitely, this event can change everyone's life in a positive and negative way. However, I believe that every individual who acquire any possession must manage it with prudence, humility and simplicity. Owning properties do not make you better or more powerful than others. As a result, it is important to keep in mind that you know where you are now, but you never know where you will be tomorrow. Being modest and simple is the key to success.

“Why We Crave Horror Movies” by Stephen King

I disagree with the theory exposed by Stephen King in his essay “Why We Crave Horror Movies”. He said that people need to watch horror movies in order to keep them sane or satisfy their evil instincts. With this assumption, the author is encouraging this type of movies, which from my point of view are more insane than healthy. These movies promote violence and harmful emotions and can contribute to have a corrupted our society. I do not like horror movies because they are full of abominations and atrocities that are present in real life. Human beings are in need of peace and love, so we have to stimulate these feelings if we want to have more sensitive, compassionate and benevolent individuals.

“A Fable for Tomorrow” by Rachel Carson

“A Fable for Tomorrow” written by Rachel Carson relates the destruction of the environment everywhere, a reality to any individual and community cannot escape. The author describes a perfect paradise with birds, flowers, fish and a healthy nature which does not exist anymore. As a result, everything began to change, and we cannot guilt anyone because these damages had been done by ourselves. It is a direct consequence of the reckless use of pesticides, so if we continue to apply it without any control nature will be a fable for tomorrow. We must be aware of the environment’s importance in our lives and take a prompt action in this issue. Nature is our home, so we must protect and take care it.

“Neat People vs. Sloppy People” by Suzanne Britt

Suzanne Britt in her essay “Neat People vs. Sloppy People” compares these two types of individuals in an amusing way. The author believes that the difference between them is more morality than the cleanliness habit. She is in favor of the sloppy people, so she exalts their attitude and actions. I like when Britt said that sloppy ones live in the Never-Never land because they leave everything for later. In my opinion, Britt gives creative excuses for being sloppy. I disagree with her on the fact that neat people are sluggish, selfish, and careless because they throw out everything. In reality, I believe they are more organized, clean and methodical persons than sloppy ones.

“Why Don't We Complain” by William F. Bucley, Jr.

William F. Bucley, Jr. in his essay “Why Don't We Complain” indicates that unfortunately human beings are losing the natural instinct to complain. However, thanks to this instinct people have achieved many accomplishments throughout the time, so we cannot be indifferent or apathetic in front of abuses or any wrong situation that affect us. The author presents many examples in order to illustrate us how people prefer to take a passive attitude in front of a concern rather than to dissent. Although it is easier and more comfortable to be apathetic, I believe that making complaints is a right and a necessity. Therefore, it is essential to defend your beliefs and feelings no matter if they are against the government, any public or private institution, store, restaurant or any individual because it can help us to build a better world.

“How to Give Orders Like a Man” by Deborah Tannen

In her essay “How to Give Orders Like a Man”, Deborah Tannen analyzes the effectiveness of direct or indirect communication. She understands that there are several aspects affecting how each individual communicates with others, such as sex, culture, class and grade. In addition, Tannen points out that sometimes when you express your ideas or necessities in an indirect way, it can be misunderstood or disregarded. However, she thinks that talking in an indirect way does not mean lack of self-confidence, power, or another weakness of the speaker. She uses as an example the Japanese's culture because they believe that it is not necessary to say literally what you want in order for others to understand you. Definitely, culture is very important in our way to communicate, but I prefer the direct one because it is more efficacious, clear and exact than the indirect form.

"Salvation" by Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes in his story “Salvation” relates that he wanted to see Jesus in a congregational's meeting in order to earn salvation. However, he never saw him, but he lied to satisfy and please himself and the community. He was afraid of being different and facing the others' judgment. Unfortunately, it frequently happens in our lives that we act in a particular way not by conviction, but from pressure. As we can see in this story, parishioners sometimes act out of demands and not for faith, and it has caused disbelief in different religions. As a result, I recommend honesty, courage and truthfulness although these qualities are unusual to most people.

“A Chase” by Annie Dillard

“A Chase” by Annie Dillard tells the story of her and her friends who hit a man's car while they were throwing snowballs. After that, the man chased and cut on them. When he caught them, he talked to the children and then let them go. This event changed her life, and she understood that something can be fun for someone, but not for others. Therefore, we must analyze what we do and its consequence before do it if we do not want to regret it later.

“A Hanging” by George Orwell

George Orwell in his essay “A Hanging” points out the real meaning “to destroy a healthy and conscious man” and at that time he had an epiphany. He realized that a human being who feels and suffers as he will be dead in a few minutes. On the other hand, the author describes how the executioners went to drink after the hanging because they felt had not done anything wrong. For many people, it is unbelievable and incredible how indifferent they are when taking a life. I believe that behind the prisoner is an individual with feelings, dreams, and goals. I am against capital punishment because it is an aberrant penalty. Therefore, God is the owner of our lives, so He only can claim a life regardless of the crime committed.

“The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday

“The Way to Rainy Mountain” written by N. Scott Momaday describes the cultural history of the Kiowa Indians who were his grandmother's heritage. Also, on his way to Rainy Mountain, he defines in great detail what he sees, he remembers with nostalgia and emotion his childhood there, and how important this town and his grandmother were for him. All his good memories came to his mind when he visited his grandmother's house, but unfortunately, he had to visit her at a lonely grave. In my opinion every individual has to be proud of his or her background, in the same manner as Momaday was. Knowing your culture is a treasure because it is part of your identity and entity.

"The Death of the Moth" by Virginia Woolf

I really like how Virginia Woolf in her story "The Death of the Moth" describes a moth's life and death to show us how fragile a human being's existence can be. I believe that Woolf wants us to become aware that life is pretty short and frail, and when we least expect death surprises us. Although death is a reality that nobody can escape, we never are prepared to face it. We have to enjoy every moment; as a consequence, when death comes, we get the satisfaction of having lived intensely, fully and completely.

"Marrying Absurd” by Joan Didion

Joan Didion, the author of "Marrying Absurd” explains how marriage is used as another business in Las Vegas. I agree with the author on the fact that the sacred and solemn marriage's act is considered as a joke there. Marrying must be a conscious, deliberate and mature resolution because it is one of the most important steps in everyone's life. I do not think that any country and any individual can see it as an insignificant fact, so marriage must be more regulated in Las Vegas. If we want a better world, we should encourage marriage as a sanctified and serious ceremony because definitely it is the society's foundation.

"Borges and I" by Jorge Luis Borges

In my opinion, Borges and I represents each of us playing diverse roles at some point of our lives. In some of them, we act a little different from who we really are. However, the most important thing that we need to keep in mind is that being ourselves at every moment of our existence defines our personality and makes us happier individuals. Just like Borges, I have played different roles in my life as a woman, mother, wife, student, worker, daughter, sister, friend, and others. But in each one of these roles, I have tried my best to be myself and put my heart in everything that I do. I am a trustworthy, capable, and hard-working person that never gives up until I pursuit my goals.