Bad Influence

Ashley Esteva

GSR 102

Bad Influence

This story made me laugh so hard, and not because it was humorous or had jokes, no not at all. I laughed so hard because this is so similar to my family. I come from a big Cuban family. The live in New Jersey and so much of this story holds true. A few years ago I stayed with my grandmother for two weeks. I got to know her better just like Rita got to know her grand parents. My grandmother made huge meals and so much café con leche I though I was going to burst. It was such a great trip, I was apprehensive in the beginning of my trip, as was Rita, being thrown into a whole new culture and using a language that I was not so strong in. I remember watching telénovas that had such outrageous plots that they could not possibly be true but they still captivated my attention none the less. Every day was an adventure for Rita getting to know her grandparents a little more and understanding how they came to be where they are now. I think it is beautiful how Rita’s grandmother shares a secret about her past dreams of becoming a dancer but not being able to accomplish those dreams because she married and had children early in life. I have been told this many times by my own grandmother that education comes first and that I need to put myself first, I need to explore my world before I settle down, I need to live out my dreams before I have to start living with someone else’s dreams. I really see the beauty in Rita’s grandmother’s words as well as with my own grandmother’s words. I feel so happy that I have her and that I have had all the wonderful experiences with her. I know how Rita feels with being sent to stay there and at the end there is no doubt in her mind that she had made the right choice, I know I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend with my family. So much of this story reminds me of my family and I love having those memories recalled.