PsTL 1908W Urban Literacy

The two readings for this week were by far the most powerful readings that we have had in this class. Along with a vast amount of information, they come with a deep emotional attachment. The young ladies and their families struggles are stories that I can believe most of us have never had to deal with. But the reality is that, it is happening in the world, and it is cause for us to rethink how grateful we should be for the democracy and strong central government that we have here in the United States. Especially refreshing was the interest Diana took in the young girls lives, and their mother. Although she might not have realized it at first, she meant a lot to the family and kept their mom going despite of her depression. If I could touch one child’s life, even to a quarter of the extent that Diana did, I would be happy and say mission accomplished.
On the otherside, I give all the credit in the world to Kabuika. Her resiliency and generosity in finishing her schooling and working long hours to provide for her families escape was amazing. Most people in her shoes would have given up, but despite all the troubles in Africa, she made it. Although it doesn’t even come close to comparing to Kabuika’s life, I remember how I felt when my parents told me that my dog died two weeks ago. It was sad, in that I hadn’t seen him since I came to school, and I did not feel like I gave him a proper goodbye. For Kabuika, she hadn’t seen her family for 13 years and had to hear of their passing away. My parents tried to not tell me for a couple days about Zack, because they thought it would affect my schooling and it was only a dog. Imagine if you were Kabuika and were told your own parents died. It would be enough to give up all hope.