Hello to everybody. I am Sofia Maldonado Diaz, born and raised in Puerto Rico and for this reason my native language is Spanish. I moved to Alaska five years ago because the military brought me to Eielson Air Force Base. Currently, I finished my enlistment and stayed in Alaska to study a bachelor’s degree in Biology that I started ten years ago, and had to stop for life reasons. At this point, I do not think that I will ever adapt to Alaska’s cold weather, even though people keep telling me so.
I am also a mother of two children and have been together with my mountain man boyfriend Bruce Myers and his teen Alex for four years. I spend most of time reading books and studying because I lack the full understanding of the English language and for some reason I can learn better from reading a book than listening to a teacher in a classroom, which makes things a little harder when it comes to managing time with motherhood and doggiehood. Something new I am trying to learn is to sew with my machine, a practice that all my aunts and my mom do and that I would like to pass to my daughter.
With this course I would like to learn about the different cultures that are around us. I believe that understanding the culture and traditions of societies help us to have more consideration for the people around us and be more civilized. I met many people from different cultures and backgrounds in the military and it was awesome. I also enjoyed the variety of foods. I am looking forward to start!
Wow! I must say your English is very good, and that you write very well for being raised in Puerto Rico with your native language being Spanish. I have never been to Puerto Rico (or outside the United States), I would love to travel and go there.
-Victoria
Agreed, I can barely ask “Where is the bathroom?” in other languages, so I am always impressed when people can communicate with such ease. Welcome to the class! I hope the readings help with your understanding of English, they’re definitely a bit more challenging, but I think it will only improve over the semester.