# data[].attributes.headline
President Biden’s Inauguration/Angela Gorman’s Poem 

# data[].attributes.subject
President Biden’s Inauguration/Angela Gorman’s Poem 

# data[].attributes.body
President Biden's Inauguration was the first presidential inauguration I've watched and I thought it was very nice to see it during class as it is a historical moment. While watching Amanda Groman recite her poem at the presidential inauguration, I felt hopeful and excited to see what new can come in the future. It is really motivating to see her recite such a powerful poem at such a young age especially at a huge event, she’s very inspirational and passionate through her writing. I don't think this assignment helped me understand the Chicano/Latino Culture but It was an event that I have never seen before which I thought was pretty cool.

# data[].attributes.body
The documentary gave more insight on rise in prison population and the groups most affected by this. Both groups, Hispanics and African Americans, are similar in terms of high incarceration rates as even for the smallest offenses, these groups most likely  face a more lengthy incarceration as compared to white people. Policies have been created to allow racial disparities within the criminal justice system that affects people of color.  I feel like this documentary was helpful in understanding how Chicano's/Latinos are being treated today, including African Americans.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Devil's Highway (book, padlet and essay)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Devil's Highway (book, padlet and essay)

# data[].attributes.body
The Devils' highway focused on the journey many immigrants take to cross the border but specifically the group that is dedicated to in the book, they did not have a successful trip. It shows the harsh realities and risks immigrants take to leave their homelands to find safety or better jobs. The book gives different points of view, including the border patrol, the guides, and the immigrants. This assignment definitely was helpful in understanding the Chicano/Latino culture because as a Chicana, my parents are immigrants and it was really interesting to learn the journey they can relate to.

# data[].attributes.body
The immigration issues we discussed in class went beyond just talking about Mexico and the United States, but included learning about immigration issues in other countries as well. I learned the difference in border patrol from Canada and the U.S, to Mexico and the U.S which was surprising to see. Writing letters to immigrant children was something I felt very happy to be doing in class, it filled me with joy and I hope a child out there is happy to know the support they have from people all around the world. These updates and assignments related to immigration was helpful to understand the Chicano/Latino Culture because these events are happening as we speak, and it's important to know what happens around us.

# data[].attributes.body
It was the first time I learned about any Latin American Poetry, in regular English classes they discuss about many of the same known poets and I found it very relieving and fascinating to be finally learning about someone else than Shakespeare. The Latin American poets share similar themes but different outlines like ABBA or a free-verse. I didn't expect to see "Guantanamera" as a poem because I've heard the song multiple times before on T.V and it was interesting to learn it being written by a Latin American Poet,  Jose Marti. I do think this was helpful in understanding the Chicano/Latino culture because poetry is a form of art and communication many Latin American artists use to express themselves and voice their opinions.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading all of the poetry, I was excited to create some of my own but also stuck because I did not know what to write it on. The last time I wrote poetry was in 8th grade, so this was something I haven't done in a really long time. In my first poem I was going to write about the diversity among our state of California but mid-way, I thought it would be even better if I included the workers who are the backbone of this country, the farmworkers. In my second poem, a free verse, I decided to express my feelings towards swimming because it is a roller coaster of emotions. In my third poem, a song, I dedicated it to my mother because Father's day is coming up but my mom has been a single parent for most of my life and I wanted to recognize her hard work. I definitely think this was an important assignment to do because it gave us a chance to create some poetry and reflect on our feelings, lives, and culture.

# data[].attributes.body
What I really liked about this course was being able to connect to my culture more and learn about current events. I'm glad I decided to take this course because it is a break from learning about the same books and themes in regular English classes. Most classes say you're free to write whatever but then they give you a strict rubric to follow and deduct points for writing how you feel, but in this class, you actually have the freedom to write how you feel and your interpretations. You are encouraged to share your input whether right or wrong, and that is different from most English classes. I would suggest adding another play like "Zoot Suit" which has to be my favorite assignment to have done this school year. Being able to hear the audio while reading the play, is like having a little movie in your head while reading. This year we didn't really have that many group projects but this upcoming year I also suggest more group work.