The Bronx

     The Bronx is more than just another borough. The Bronx is full of culture, history, and excitement. Many famous people were born in the Bronx that has made entertainment more enjoyable such as: Aventura, Willie Colon, La India, Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, Big Pun, Regis Philbin, Doris Roberts, and Luther Vandross, and those are only a few. The Red Hook Initiative gave my co-workers and I an opportunity to visit all 5 boroughs so we can get a chance to really learn about our New York City. I was the most interested in the Bronx.

     The youth organization I chose to visit was Casa Atabex Ache. I was browsing their website when I came across the description of their film “Yo Tengo Fuerza”. While visiting Casa we were introduced to two women, Natalie and Dayanara. The film was about 3 girls and their stories about their experience with sexual and physical abuse. It showed them growing and learning how to let things in your past go so it doesn’t affect your future. This really inspired me in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Casa is a great place to go and get your mind right and to let go of any emotions that may not be healthy for you. At Casa, they were very relaxing and made you feel good about yourself and your future.
     My co-workers and I also had a chance to go to the Bronx Museum of Arts. It was very interesting and not what anybody thought it would be. The exhibit we went to was full of photos about the civil rights time period. The photos and descriptions of them opened my eyes, and I learned more than I already knew. I disliked the fact that a lot of the pictures we saw were very graphic and disturbing. It was sad to think about, especially since a lot of those horrible things happened not so long ago.
     Part of this summer job was not only learning about different boroughs but learning how to travel and be comfortable with traveling in New York City. My experience with leading the trips and trying to figure out the trains was very stressful. I didn’t have a lot of experience with trains, but when I read the directions clearly and slowly, and read the signs in the train station, I found my way around. You just have to be aware of things like announcements on the train.
    This experience has meant a lot to me. I felt important as an individual visiting all these cool other boroughs. Every time a friend asked me what I was going to do at work and I told them, they would look at me with their eyes open wide, like they were amazed. I met a lot of different people and visit environments I have never been in before. My job has made this summer worthwhile. It was a summer to remember.