zoraparra-blog

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Pride and Prejudice and Roxbury

It is a truth universally acknowledged that when standing in Dudley station one cannot help but hear the advocates of Christianity boasting about their beliefs.

However much known her feelings on other topics, it is certain that her time is spent looking for people to convert into the lifestyle she so happily lives.

“The Bible will save you from hell!”

This, from the old lady who spends her time wandering the neighborhoods on Roxbury, with her bible of course.

Occasionally she will receive a response from someone, usually a student who has nothing better to do than make fun of an old lady.  

The student accompanied by a group of his friends approaches her.

“What are you talking about lady?”

Caught off guard, the lady replies firmly, “ Give your life to Jehovah and all of your sins will be forgiven!”

The group of immature students laugh in her face and record her for their Snapchat.

She looks at them with bewilderment painted across her face, because she does not understand why they are taking her beliefs as a way of making fun.

“Why are you recording me?”

The boys continue their foolishness and eventually leave her alone.

She is left to figure out what just happens, but after a while, she gives up and goes back to her duty.

The woman continues her proclamations up until the end of the typical workday.

Once Dudley is relatively empty, she makes her way to the South End. Here, you can find her on the 7/11 and MGH.

“Come forth and Jesus will be your savior! Do not wait until it is too late. He is coming sooner than all of you may think!”

She is stared at and talked about by almost every person that walks past her.

No one had the courtesy of taking one of the pamphlets she offered, just to make things easier on her.

“She is crazy. Does she have no family?”

Bystanders comment, when they see her out in the cold with no signs of stopping anytime soon.

[zoraparra-blog]

COAH:  Charter School or  Juvenile Detention Center?

This is a satire piece I made for my AP English Class.

After being in an educational facility for almost 4 years now, you can assume that I have a pretty concise account of what it feels like to be there. Well, here it is. It’s 7:45am and you’re walking into City on a Hill. You are greeted by a faculty member handing you a green and gray pouch that is just about the size of your cellular device. Cool. You take a few more steps into the building and there comes a table with two more faculty members on both sides, each with laptops writing down your name and the number of the pouch you have been given. The faculty member takes the pouch and ensures that it is locked. And I don't say this lightly, I am saying they MAKE SURE that the pouch is locked. They hand it to you and you go about your business. Some days, if you are lucky enough to catch the Correctional officer, oh, I mean faculty member, off guard the pouch is given to you unlocked, but this rarely happens (wink).

Now that you have gotten a glimpse of the first 5 minutes of my school day, do you still believe it is just to call this place an educational facility or does Juveline Detention center best fit these criteria? 

[zoraparra-blog]

Ozymandias Reflection

The subject of the poem is a traveler.  The speaker describes a meeting with someone who has traveled to a place where ancient civilizations once existed(Egypt). The traveler told the speaker a story about an old, statue in the middle of the desert. The statue is broken apart, but you can still make out the face of a person. The face looks powerful, like a ruler. The ruler was a wicked guy, but he took care of his people. Near the face, the traveler reads an inscription in which the ruler Ozymandias tells anyone who might happen to pass by, “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair.” That’s the only glimpse we get regarding his greatness.  The purpose of the poem is to describe this encounter and the ruler. The tone is informative and confident.

The themes of the poem remind powerful people that their power is only temporary. However many powerful people may wish to think that their power is never-ending, but they are only deceiving themselves. I see these themes in my everyday life when people of high authority take advantage of their power and let it get into their heads. This is more common nowadays because people with authoritative positions have had their action negatively affect those around them. 

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Haiku

In my AP Lit class, we’re learning and reading poetry (sooo fun right??!!). Anywho, we were tasked with writing a Haiku (that rhymes): here's mine about food. Shocking isn’t it? 

Easy, simple, fast

Is there better happiness

Than fridge leftovers?

[zoraparra-blog]

A look from the inside

In my AP Lit class, we are reading Fences and we read a letter from Jackie Robinson to the president. Here, is my formal letter about a political issue affecting me.

Dear Mayor Marty Walsh,

My name is Zora Parra, I am a senior at City on a Hill Dudley Square, and I am also an employee of the City of Boston. Throughout my time working within City hall and BCYF, I have come to notice a common theme in the prestigious work environment. Said themes regarding inefficiency and miscommunication. I have had the privilege of working alongside the accomplished adults of that represent the City of Boston for approximately three years, and this issue is evident in all aspects. I write you this letter today, not to make the origination feel less than what they are but to call to your attention an issue growing within your City employees. If someone like myself that is on the inside notices and is affected by the inefficiency and miscommunication, just imagine how grave the effects may be on the youth, constituents and amazing city we serve.

With Respect,

Zora P.

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Always Protect Yourself

SISTER:

You don’t want to be like me. You don’t want to end up pregnant your senior year in High School. You don’t want to lose your full ride scholarship. You don’t want to end up like the majority of women in your family. You do not want to let your family down. You have goals and dreams that you are working hard for in your life. If you don’t protect yourself, all of your hard work will be in vain. 

If you only take one thing out of everything I am about to say to you, just remember TO PROTECT YOURSELF! In all aspects of life: sexually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Do not allow yourself to get into situations that will sabotage the plans you have made for your life. Do not make the same mistakes I have made, Sister. I beg you to be more conscious about the things you do, and remember, always protect yourself.

What you just read is something my older sister told me once I entered my Senior year of High School. I chose to write about this in particular, because I know a lot of girls my age are in the same situation as my sister or even as myself. Either you are the one telling this to a young women in your life or you are on the other side being warned. This topic resonates with young women in this generation, and it is important to encourage them to always protect themselves.

[zoraparra-blog]

Always Protect Yourself

SISTER:

You don’t want to be like me. You don’t want to end up pregnant your senior year in High School. You don’t want to lose your full ride scholarship. You don’t want to end up like the majority of women in your family. You do not want to let your family down. You have goals and dreams that you are working hard for in your life. If you don’t protect yourself, all of your hard work will be in vain. 

If you only take one thing out of everything I am about to say to you, just remember TO PROTECT YOURSELF! In all aspects of life: sexually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Do not allow yourself to get into situations that will sabotage the plans you have made for your life. Do not make the same mistakes I have made, Sister. I beg you to be more conscious about the things you do, and remember, always protect yourself.

What you just read is something my older sister told me once I entered my Senior year of High School. I chose to write about this in particular, because I know a lot of girls my age are in the same situation as my sister or even as myself. Either you are the one telling this to a young women in your life or you are on the other side being warned. This topic resonates with young women in this generation, and it is important to encourage them to always protect themselves.