SUMMER WRITING IN ENGLISH AT UASD

Hello, everyone, 

During the summer of 2023, my English Composition I class wrote about their favorite places. Here are four of their best papers. Remember to leave your comments. You can also tell our audience what you think about the papers in general or if you feel inspired to visit the places Enyer, Yusely, Juan Daniel, or Yanelia wrote about.  I hope you enjoy the journey through my summer class writing.

The Dudu Lagoon Park in Cabrera

By Yanelia Javier García

The Dudu Lagoon Park is the greatest treasure in Cabrera. Its beauty has captivated numerous tourists from all around the world. Also, the park is an Eden where nature is well preserved. It holds mysteries that even scientists have not discovered. In addition, Dudu Lagoon contains an important historical value and is a place full of uniqueness. That is why the Dudu Lagoon Park is unforgettable.

 

First, the location of Dudu Lagoon is one of the reasons this place is considered a paradise. This impressive area to the north of the Dominican Republic is located in a beautiful coastal town called La Entrada in Cabrera. The surroundings are undeniably attractive as is the park, which is like a magical subtropical forest. Therefore, the marvelous Dudu Lagoon Park is recognized as a must-see wonder in the Dominican Republic.

At the same time, the most exceptional lagoons are found in the Dudu Lagoon Park. This park has two unique lagoons. The largest lagoon is called Dudu. It is surrounded by ravines with big trees at the top. That scenery brings a certain sense of peace and feels like you are at the bottom of a jungle. The other lagoon is best known as "El Pozo del Caballo," a spa with perfect curative and refreshing waters. These are fabulous lagoons, but that aspect is not the reason for their worldwide fame. The two lagoons have underwater caves where people practice cave diving from one lagoon to another. It is the only place on earth you can do that activity. Without a doubt, these lagoons are the most memorable parts of Dudu Lagoon Park.

 

Additionally, Dudu Lagoon Park offers visitors a wide range of exciting activities. Firstly, people can swim in the exquisite lagoons while appreciating the natural scenery. If visitors want to look for adventure, snorkeling and diving are the ideal activities. Besides, there are many caves with interesting Pre-Columbian art and mysterious wonders to explore all around the park.  The Dudu Lagoon Park offers different activities in addition to those related to the lagoon and caves. There are volleyball courts, restaurants, and swings for the kids. Overall, the park is the most fitting place to do all sorts of fun activities.

To conclude, it is relevant to mention that the location of Dudu Lagoon Park is a stunning area. Besides, the lagoons are essential to the park, not only because of their exquisite waters but also because of the mysteries they contain. The impressive scenery, thrilling activities, and memorable experiences make this place perfect for a holiday. In Dudu Lagoon Park, you will find all you want in just one place. This park is a true paradise and a great place to hang out with family and friends.

El Cercado

By Enyer Manuel Montero Montero

            El Cercado features one of the most diverse gastronomy in the Dominican Republic. In addition, this region is the most important center of cheese production in the country. Also, its people hold a very close-knit relationship with their relatives and they have inherited great cultural habits from Taíno people, the people who lived in the area before. Moreover, the town’s mountains are majestically beautiful and are a great place to visit if you want to connect with nature. Overall, people in this commune are very welcoming and warm. El Cercado is a breathtaking place.

            First of all, people from El Cercado are big-hearted. In the same way, their family values hold a great importance for the community since people often have good relationships with one another. Another essential point is that the people from this town are predominantly a mix of European, African, and Taíno roots. Also, their economy depends on agriculture and they enjoy having festivals. On the whole, late in June, the municipality celebrates a big party honoring San Pedro Apostol. In this party, the people have the opportunity of performing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.

            Equally important, the gastronomy in the place is one of the best. Firstly, it is a tradition in the commune to eat Chenchén, a typical dish from the municipality and San Juan area. It is mainly made with corn broken into small pieces and boiled for several hours with different spices, accompanied by some sauce left in the pot. The richness of this dish consists of tasting the crispy pieces of corn at the bottom and on the top of the pot mixed with beans and sauce from stewed pork meat. Secondly, El Cercado is a big center of cheese production with a total of 22 factories and many varieties of dairy products, influenced by Italian and Arabian heritage. Subsequently, the commune features diverse and original culinary art with many styles taken away from forebear. Finally, there are El Cercado biscuits, a common snack from outside the town with the particularity of being seasoned with oregano. In short, this village gastronomy is engrossing.

            Additionally, the majestic Mountains of the municipality and San Juan area are the top of greatness. Further, they serve as a prominent feature of this captivating region. Notably, located in the heart of the Dominican Republic, the cliffs stand tall, commanding the attention of everyone passing by the zone. Also, the Sierra of this village offers a haven for ecologists, giving them the opportunity for hiking, rock climbing, and nature exploration. Apart from this, these peaks play a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as a source of fresh water. Also, it hosts a diverse flora and fauna. Clearly, the enchanting beauty and tranquility of the cliffs make them a popular destination for those seeking connection with nature. After all, if you are looking for an awesome sunrise or immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere, the hills of El Cercado are a truly paradise.

            Altogether, the people of this municipality are very kind and welcoming. In particular, for their great interpersonal relationships which highlight the values they share. Undoubtedly, their cuisine stands as top reference in the region and one of the most diverse in the whole country. The elevations are the tallest in the area, offering a number of attributes that make them a must-visit place. To sum up, people kindness, beautiful mountains, and the captivating food make this village a remarkable destination in the Dominican Republic.

Las Crayolas Park in La Guayiga

By Yusely Ceballos

         Las Crayolas Park is a place with many games dedicated to kids’ recreation. This park is a really safe place. Furthermore, the climate is nice and perfect to spend time with the whole family. Besides, it provides a space for neighbors to interact and to meet new people. Therefore, it is a convenient space for events or to sell things. Also, the entrance is free every single day. Las Crayolas Park is a great place to be.

        First of all, it is worth considering the location of Crayolas Park, which is in La Guayiga, Pedro Brand, Santo Domingo. This park is in the heart of Kilometro 20 community. Also, the park is between the police station and the basketball court. As well as that, Lao Mei Store is very near the park. In short, Las Crayolas Park is located in a great and safe place.

        Another factor to consider is the activities they offer there because Las Crayolas Park is a place with many things to do. Firstly, there are a lot of games for kids like swings, see and saw, and sliders. Besides, this park has a beautiful green area for kids and adults where you can enjoy a picnic. In addition, there is a social area to celebrate any kind of party or event. The Park is an amusing place for parents to share time with their kids. As well, it is a good place to meet people. To summarize, if you need a place to have good time, visit Las Crayolas Park as soon as you can.

        Last but not least, Las Crayolas Park has a list of rules for its care and running. The most important rule is the garbage must be thrown in the bin. Apart from this, it is forbidden to drink alcohol or to smoke inside the park. Also, it is important to know you cannot light a fire. You cannot even start a bonfire or to use fireworks. As well as that, to take care of the green areas is a rule, too. Finally, the children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. In brief, respecting those rules will keep the park clean and in order.

        Taking everything said into consideration, Las Crayolas Park is perfectly located in the center of La Guayiga and the places around of it are very interesting and useful. Besides, this park has many different games for kids, beautiful green areas, and a space to interact with others. Remember, you need to respect the regulations to be inside the park. Therefore, those rules are necessary to keep the area tidy and enjoyable. In general, the greatest place to spend time with your relatives is Las Crayolas Park.

My Great-Grandfather’s Cabin in Puerto Plata

By Juan Daniel Guzmán Reyes 

     My Great-Grandfather’s Cabin in Puerto Plata holds an important part of my family’s history. Every year, the annual family gathering with relatives from all over the world takes place there. One reason it is the preferred spot is that it is always available when you need it. My happiest memories have been at the cabin. Therefore, I can relax and get a clear mind whenever I visit it., The cabin owned by my great-grandfather is an important part of my life, which I hold dearly.

To begin with, my great-grandfather’s cabin in Puerto Plata is my healing location. When I visit it, I can restore my energy by getting away from the noise of the city. Additionally, the cabin is located in a secluded town in Puerto Plata called La Seiba, which is very calm. That is is where I recover my strengths.

Apart from its great location, the surroundings of my great-grandfather’s cabin are amazing. Although the cabin is on top of a small hill  in between mountains, many different landscapes can be observed there. Despite of the fact that is not very visible from the outside, the cabin is easy to find and it is covered by beautiful trees on the front. To the left and right sides of it, there are roads made by the constant transit of goats, cows, and people who live and farm there. On the back, it has a small terrace with wide breath-taking views. Depending on the moment of the day, the landscape and colors change. For instance, in the morning, you will see the most beautiful tones of green and orange, followed by an orchestra of birds and a gentle breeze. Then, at noon, the most intense shades of green and blue will be with you while you eat lunch. In the same way, when the afternoon is almost gone, the softest and warmest tone of orange will mesmerize your sight. Finally, at night, stars and galaxies can be seen with the naked eye. The surroundings of my great-grandfather’s cabin are something out of this world.

Besides its amazing surroundings, my great-grandfather’s cabin also hides a fascinating and mysterious history. When I heard the early stories about the cabin’s origin, I noticed that nobody knew who it was built by or when it was built. During the time it was under construction, my great-grandfather bought an acre of land where the cabin happened to be. Even thought it was nice and cozy, it had not been finished when it was first visited. To this day, the cabin has not been finished; however, it is said that whoever continues to work on it will have good luck. In brief, my great-grandfather’s cabin is an enigma, but it is an interesting place to be in.

To sum up, my great-grandfather’s cabin has the perfect location to recover your energy. Moreover, its surroundings are surreal and change throughout the day. Though nobody knows its exact origin or date of construction, it is a familiar place now. I have spent the best summers of my life there with my family. All in all, calmness and happy experiences are some of the things I always find whenever I visit it.

 Santo Domingo 2023

DOMINICAN ENGLISH COMPOSITION STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT THE PANDEMIC

 

Hello, everyone,

Semester 22-1 finished and my English Composition I class and I took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to develop our writing skills. I hope you enjoy Edily Villar and Arnaldo Rodriguez’s papers. Many people behave as if the pandemic came to an end. Do you agree? We will be very happy to read your comments.

                           MY EXPERIENCE WITH COVID-19

By Edily Villar

      Having COVID-19 changed the course of my life forever. This is a virus that came to transform the world; therefore, it’s an issue that affects everybody. However, its impact and consequences are felt differently depending on every individual. Each case is different, so it would be useful to take my experience as an example to see how it can help others and give strength to get out of this disease if someone get to suffer from it.

      My experience with COVID-19 started with the appearance of the first symptoms. A high fever and lower back pain were the symptoms I developed, which became present on December 23^rd in the afternoon. That day in the morning, I felt perfectly fine, but as                         

time went on the symptoms got worse. There was a point where I couldn’t stand or breathe properly, and the fever began to rise. Due to my parent’s concern, they took me to the emergency room to find out what was happening to me. After the nurses medicated me and took a blood test, the doctor there deduced that it was just the flu that everyone had at that time but to make sure, the next day on Christmas Eve morning, I went back to the hospital to take a COVID test, and unfortunately it came out positive. Therefore, the first symptoms I had were not from a flu, but from COVID-19.

      Right after testing positive, my period of isolation began at home. I spent about fifteen days locked inside my room, taking pills and syrups every day. During this phase, I started to have minor problems in my lungs, throat infection and muscle aches. Also, I had the responsibility to clean and disinfect everything I touched, so the virus would not propagate. In addition, I couldn’t get close to any member of my family for a while, which hurt me a lot since I couldn’t spend Christmas with them like I was used to. It was frustrating not being able to go outside and continue my normal life until the results came back negative. I felt very discouraged during the whole process for having to be away from everything I love. Undoubtedly, this was the most difficult and exasperating stage of the virus for me.

      Fortunately, after two weeks of isolation at home, my journey with COVID-19 had ended. I took the test again and this time it came out negative. This terrible stage was finally over. I was feeling perfectly fine now that all the symptoms were gone. I started to go out again after being locked for so long. I finally got to see my family, and I returned to my daily routines. Everything felt normal again. This is definitely the part where you realize the importance of the little things that you normally don’t consider important. Thus, after this process that affected my life, I was full of joy to say that I was finally COVID free.

      In summary, the virus of COVID-19 changed my life in the most unexpected moment. There were different stages I had to go through and different ways of how this disease affected me. In my case, the first symptoms, such as fever and a lower back pain, were the initial part of the virus and when these were detected after taking a test, the frustrating period of isolation began at home. Also, the time of healing was long and exhausting, but after that, there was more good than bad. The virus transformed the course of my life, but the way I coped with it made me change the way of seeing life forever.

Tenares 2022

Statistics for the First Six Months of Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic

By Arnaldo Rodríguez

     The statistics during the first six months of Covid-19 pandemic were alarming. Statistics are so important in daily life. They give information that can be used for decision making, and played a huge role during the first six months of the Covid-19. They told people how fast the virus was spreading, kept people informed about its lethality, showed how full the hospitals were during the difficult times, what areas were the most affected in the country, and how many people were isolated. Many people were dying. The infections didn’t stop, and the number of hospital admissions was increasing rapidly.

     First, the number of deaths during the first six months of the pandemic was frightening. Two people died in the first month. By March 23^rd the average age of dead people was added to the statistics and it was 64 by that time. The next day, the male vs female percentage was added and it was found that more men were dying than women. The male percentage was 70% vs 30% female. In other words, 7 out of 10 deaths were men. In March 26^th, the mortality rate was added and it was at 3%. Everyone was scared because that was a high rate considering the amount of people infected and given that not much was known about the virus. At the end of March, which was the first month, 57 had died in total and the mortality rate was 4%, which was alarming. The average age for March was 62 with 77% of dead people being men and 23% women. By the end of April, the total number of people who died was 313. There were 256 new cases compared to March. This was a tough month because the mortality rate reached its peak at 4.29% and older people were dying, especially those with other problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Everyone was worried about their senior relatives by this time. 75% were men and 25% were women this month. May came with more deaths. The good thing was the mortality rate went down. There were 189 new deaths and 502 in total. The average age of people who died was 65. The mortality rate was 2.86%. The male vs female ratio was 69.72% vs 30.28%. In June, many deaths continued, 252 new deaths to be exact. There were 754 deaths in total with a mortality rate of 2.26% and the average age was 65. In July there were 416 new deaths and 1,170 deaths in total. The mortality rate went down to 1.64% and the average age was 65. August was the 6^th month of the pandemic. It ended up with 1,738 dead people in total and 568 new deaths for August. This was the highest number of deaths per month since the pandemic started. The average age of the people who died during the first six months was 68, 65.71% of these were men vs 34.29% being women. The mortality rate was not as high as it used to be but the most concerning statistic was the amount of people that was dying and how on the 6^th month the pandemic still hadn’t been controlled.

     Furthermore, the total of infections during the first six months of the pandemic was very concerning. Since there was this unknown virus which very little was known about but just the fact that people were dying and it was a scary thought knowing anyone could get infected and knowing there weren’t any previous treatments but only the doctors’ recommendations. This is why the measures were so drastic at the beginning. Such measures were very hard to follow, especially for the poor and low-class people. However, they were necessary. The virus had to be stopped at all costs. 373,001 tests were taken in total. The overall number of infections was 94,979 with a positivity rate of 28.09%. Going to the hospital during this time was alarming because many people were kept there for many days, weeks or months without being able to see their relatives. One good statistic was that 68,736 recovered from the disease during this period. Even though the average age of people infected was 38, statistics showed older people were the ones dying. By taking a look at the numbers, there comes the realization of how alarming it could be to get infected during the first six months.

     Lastly, the amount of people being isolated in the hospital during the first six months of the pandemic was unsettling. Being taken to the hospital and getting isolated there was a scary thought, especially knowing that in the country, the lack of resources makes it very difficult for patients to be treated properly. Many people didn’t get to see their family members again and no visits were allowed due to the virus being highly contagious. In March, being the first month, there were 147 people in hospital isolation. By April that number increased rapidly by 1,185 more in isolation, for a total of 1,332 and 108 people were in intensive care units (ICU). May ended up with 1,988 people isolating in the hospital and 117 in ICU. The number of people in ICU didn’t increase significantly but the only choice was to fight the virus. June came with shocking numbers as 3,323 people were in hospital isolation; this was 1,335 more than the previous month and 200 were in ICU. For July, the numbers kept going up. There were 5,871 in hospital isolation, 2,548 more than June and 325 people in ICU. August was the last month of the period and although the number of people in isolation increased by 1,573 (7,444 in total), the positive news was that 207 ended up in ICU, a drop of 118 compared to the previous month. Even though the measures kept increasing, so were the numbers and this hospital isolation process had to be as effective as possible.

     In brief, the statistics showed that there was a lot going on during the first six months of the pandemic. People could empathize with all the ones dying and their relatives, the struggles of the ones getting infected and then overcoming the virus, and those at the hospitals fighting for their lives. The good thing was that everyone learned how to treat and live with the virus, and that can be seen by looking at those numbers today.

Santiago 2022

MEET PUERTO PLATA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

In the Holy Week of 2022, some relatives and I went to visit my father in law in Puerto Plata. This beautiful city is located to the north of the Dominican Republic. I had never had the chance to see so many beautiful places there. I took many pictures. I liked them so much that I decided to share some of them with you all. After seeing the pictures, do not hesitate and post a comment about the place you liked the most or any other thing that called your attention.

Click on the video and this tunnel will welcome you in Spanish.

 

The name of the city in big letters is in El Malecón. This is the way people call the ample sidewalk along the sea shore. Many people come here to enjoy the ocean breeze and have a lot of fun.

Loma Isabel de Torres (Isabel de Torres Mountain) is part of the most visited national Parks in the Dominican Republic, Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres (Isabel de Torres National Park). If you ever come to Puerto Plata, go to this mountain and take the cable car. The Christ Redeemer statue will welcome you with its wide open arms. You will never forget the great view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

This is the Fortaleza de San Felipe (San Felipe Fortress). It was built in 1577. Juan Pablo Duarte, the main founding father of our country was imprisoned in it after 1944 by order of Pedro Santana. 

General Gregorio Luperón was born in this city. He led La Guerra de la Restauración de la República (The Republic Restauration War). Consequently, he became one of the most important heroes in the Dominican Republic. 

Like in most cities in the country, there is a cathedral across from the central park. This one is the Catedral de San Felipe Apóstol (San Felipe Apóstol Cathedral).

Also, there is a round porch in the middle of the park. Whenever people see this, they know it is Puerto Plata, also known as La Novia del Atlantico (The Atlantic Ocean’s Fiancee).

All in pink, the Paseo de Doña Blanca is a unique place that visitors and locals enjoy visiting. Doña Blanca Franchescini and her husband, Isidoro Rainiery were pioneers in the tourist industry in the Dominican Republic. This beautiful alley commemorates their arrival in 1898.

This colorful place is la Calle de las Sombrillas (the Umbrellas Street). Here, many people take pictures, drink coffee, have ice cream and more.

On one of the corners across the central park, this mural shows outstanding Dominican artists born in Puerto Plata such as Eduardo Brito, one of the most important singers; Juan Loward, one of the most important singer-song-writers; and Rafael Solano, one  of the most important musicians.

This cruise is in Amber Cove, a passenger terminal in Maimón, Puerto Plata. Cruise liners have been coming to Puerto Plata since 2015.

Santo Domingo 2022

 

DOMINICAN STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

Hello everyone,

The following is one of the essays written by my students last semester (2021-2). In my English Composition I class, we have been working on the project WRITING IN TIMES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. My students choose from a list of topics related to that subject, find information, and follow the writing process paragraph by paragraph. At the end of the semester, five-paragraph essays, like the one written by Juan Jimenez, is the result. After reading about Juan's experience, you can leave a comment for the rest of the audience. You can also share what called your attention the most from his experience. Also, you can tell us if you or someone you know went through a similar situation. 

Negative Effects of COVID-19 in my Life

By Juan Jimenez

          The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted me negatively in many ways. The most negative challenges for me have been my fear, unemployment, and the cost of living. It would be very beneficial to know what other people may have experienced and what they have done to overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also vital to explain what I have been through due to the coronavirus pandemic. My life is different before and after the pandemic.

          First, my fear of getting infected with the coronavirus was the most terrible part of the disease. During the pandemic, I had to get used to practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, and using hand sanitizer. Due to this, I have learned to protect myself from getting infected with the virus by utilizing these preventive measures. Nowadays, it is challenging to do all of those things that I used to do before the pandemic like playing dominoes with my family and friends, greeting people with hugs and shaking hands, and eating in the streets with large crowds. The pandemic has not only caused me fear, but it also caused me anxiety in every aspect of my daily life. Despite my fear, I am optimistic the pandemic will be over soon and everything will be back to normal.

          Second, unemployment has been one of the most challenging things I have dealt with during the pandemic. When it started, I worked in a company that closed like so many others to avoid spreading the virus. Regardless of my experience as a health promoter, customer service representative, and the ability to speak three languages, I have been unable to find a job. Everywhere I went they were either closed or had reduced their number of employees, making it more difficult for me to find a job. I have not been able to meet my financial obligations, which has made me feel depressed. Without a job, no one would lend me money because I may not have the money to pay it back later. Fortunately, I earn money from teaching English and Spanish occasionally. Those earnings have helped me continue my studies.

          Third, the cost of living has made my life more difficult since the pandemic started. Before the pandemic, I provided for my necessities such as food, rent, electricity, clothing, etc. However, during the pandemic, prices have increased significantly and continued to grow every day, which has made it more difficult for me to provide for myself. For example, pre-pandemic, I was spending 10,000 pesos a month on food; 3,000 pesos on rent; 500 on electricity; and 3,000 on clothing. Currently, I am spending 20,000 pesos a month on food, 5,000 pesos on rent; 1,000 on electricity; and 6,000 on clothing, which resulted in an increase from 67% to 100%. As can be easily seen, the pandemic has created an environment that has further limited my opportunities to meet basic needs.

          In conclusion, the coronavirus pandemic has affected me negatively. Still, I have learned to overcome the fear of getting infected by utilizing the COVID-19 precautionary measures. I have also found ways to make nominal income by tutoring to meet my basic needs while seeking a full-time job. Despite all the negatives that the coronavirus pandemic has brought into my life, I have survived and moved forward, overcoming every obstacle by keeping a positive outlook for the future.

San Juan de la Maguana 2022

DOMINICAN STUDENTS WRITE ABOUT COVID-19

 

Hello, every one,

Last year, we did not have Summer Courses at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, UASD because of the COVID-19. This year we did and my students and I wrote about the pandemic. I made a list of 40 subjects related to it and chose one. Then, I asked each of them to choose the one he or she liked best. As usual, we did research and brought all the information we had collected to the videoconferences. After that, we followed the writing process for each paragraph. The result was a five-paragraph essay. The following are three of the papers written during Summer 2021 in my English Composition I class.

I Got Infected By The COVID-19

By Rafael Paulino Peguero

     I got infected by one of the most powerful and deadly diseases of the last decades, the COVID-19 virus. This set of information is important because I explain in details the process that I went through, and readers may identify and act rapidly if they feel the symptoms related to the virus. Furthermore, readers may have an idea of what to do in case they get infected, and be able to take all the safety measures on time not to let the disease develop.

     Before getting infected, I had been taking many precautions since Corona virus is a very powerful and contagious pulmonary infection which has killed millions of people around the glove, and I was really afraid of it. Therefore, I was really careful and I did everything it took not to get infected. I bought tons of sanitizing products and medications to keep my immunology system up. Also, when going out to streets, I always did social distancing and wore a mask at a full time. However, no matter how hard I tried, I ended up with the virus.

     It all began when my wife got very sick; she had fever, a little cough and a headache. First, we thought it was only the flu, but two days later, I started to feel those symptoms but worse than my wife. At that time, I also had lost my sense of smell and taste. After three days with those obvious indicators of Corona Virus, my little son started to feel the same way. The next day, the rapid Covid-19 team came to our house and we all tested positive. From that day on, we started our quarantine and avoided going out unless necessary. Fourteen days later, we finally tested negative and after that difficult time, we survived to the virus.

      As a result of the Covid-19, the sequels were so devastating for me that I felt like if I had the virus even after testing negative. Although my wife was also affected by this virus, she got better within a few days. In contrast, I experienced post Covid-19 symptoms. These symptoms were sort of returning health problems that lasted about four weeks to disappear. For example, I used to feel shortness of breath, fatigue, chest and muscle pain, dizziness, etc., but the worst symptom was the change in smell and taste after those senses came back. It was so frustrating that after three month of testing negative, I still had problems identifying some aromas; some seemed to be as if they were ammonia which is a very annoying smell. The long term effects after the virus were very harmful for me.

     In conclusion, trying to keep away from the virus was the first thing I did; nevertheless, I ended up getting infected and once the virus was on me, I had so many complications; therefore, Corona virus made me feel very frightened because I thought I was going to die, but fortunately, I could overcome it because I took all the necessary precautions not to let the infection take the control. That was the only way I managed to survive.

Santo Domingo 2021

Doctors Work in the Covid-19 Pandemic

By Josmary Diaz 

            Doctors form an essential part of an effective response in the Covid-19 pandemic. They have critical roles in diagnosis, containment and treatment despite the increase of personal risks. In addition, they are always ready to help no matter the kind of care people need. The Healthcare workplace has been challenged, especially for the workers. However, even when this emergency puts all the pressure on doctors, they continue their labor.

            First, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the duties and functions of doctors. As soon as they receive a person suspected of Covid-19, they put in practice the new protocols provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). First, they have to do a Covid-19 test to detect the disease before administering medication. If confirmed with the virus infection, they must administer medication. They then have to follow up with the progress of the patient and keep the sanitation procedure regularly. Doctors need to apply special skills that most of them developed within the pandemic. In addition, they must keep a record of the people who were in direct contact with the patient. Their duties include double time work periods with different tasks, which also include keeping the patient family up to date with their progress.

            Apart from what has been said, working conditions in the Covid-19 pandemic impact on doctors’ health. Poor working environment affect doctors physically and emotionally. Health workers are exposed to significant risks because of inadequate working conditions, which also puts their own families at risk. Facing this health emergency with poor conditions due lack of bio-safe equipment does not affect all the countries the same manner. The health system has economic problems and deficiencies in infrastructure. It is necessary to make administrative and organizational changes to have a quality system. To improve and have a better work place, the health department needs to invest in public health, infrastructure, and more equipment.

            Above all, doctors have an important role in the prevention of Covid-19. They call people to take measures such as washing their hands regularly with soap and water, avoiding touching their faces, covering their mouth and noses, and maintaining at least one meter of distance among them. It is safer to evade indoor spaces as much as possible and stay at home in order to take precaution. Apart from these measures, vaccines have been authorized and considered to be used for prevention. However, this does not mean that people have to lower their guards. To fight this virus, it is crucial to follow all hygiene rules and reduce the possibility of exposure.

            In conclusion, working conditions have a big impact on the doctors due to the deficiencies the health system and infrastructure may have. Healthcare workers duties during the pandemic have multiplied because of the additional work required to control the disease. One of the most important roles of doctors in the course of Covid-19 pandemic is to prevent the expansion of the virus by letting people know the guidelines for taking safety measures against the virus. Therefore, doctors are encouraged to meet the demand for medical aid in this pandemic. They have made sacrifice and so much is own to them because they are heroes. 

Barahona 2021

Face Masks During Covid-19 Pandemic 

By Danilo Mejía Mena

 

        Face masks have become the most important tool to stop the Covid-19 pandemic although they have advantages and disadvantages. The function of a face mask is to prevent the spread of the chain of contagion among people. Even though face masks could avoid getting infected, there are a lot of people who disagree. That is why some people say that a face mask is not comfortable enough to wear during a whole day. Another fact that makes people doubt is the difficulty to breathe while wearing a face mask. In contrast, some people think that wearing a face mask during the Covid-19 pandemic is a necessity.

 

        First of all, there are many types of face masks to wear during this pandemic. Those types of masks are different and made with different materials. That is why they receive different names. For example, Bandanas are worn when people do not have any face masks at home, but the KN95 face mask is the most recommended to wear, and it is mandatory to wear any kind of mask to protect ourselves and other people. So that wearing any kind of face mask will help to stop the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

        On the other hand, wearing a face mask can cause trouble to the person who is wearing it for a long term. The most people breathe while wearing a face mask, the most they produce CO₂. That is why, when people are talking, singing, or exercising, they do not need to wear them. Some of the health problems are headache, irritation, acne, and dermatitis. Headaches are produced by the attachment of the band around people’s heads. The most common illness that affects people who have sensitive skin is dermatitis as a result of reusing a mask. Also, people’s eyes can be affected by the hot air that escapes from a mask into their eyes. For example, a worker who wears a tight face mask can collapse in a hot climate. It causes heat stress and psychological stress, too. In fact, after accumulating CO₂, human beings can feel dizzy or get intoxicated. If some people maintain their faces covered to avoid risks, they will probably not get infected by wearing a face mask during the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

        In addition, wearing a face mask prevents people to get infected by Covid-19. Some benefits of wearing a face mask are evaluated by scientists who keep studying about how convenient to wear a mask is. When people are wearing their face masks, they are protecting themselves and those people around them. Face masks create a barrier to prevent people’s respiratory droplets from reaching others. Many studies show that nations that follow authority instructions have been decreasing their percentage of death caused by the desease. For example, The Dominican Republic has been decreasing the number of dead people since last semester as a result of responsible citizens collaborating by wearing face masks and getting vaccinated. The benefit is not individual. That is why it is important to wear a mask at any time or everywhere individuals go. Another example is if someone needs to travel by public transportation and notice that there is a person who is sneezing or coughing, that person will not worry about it because he or she is wearing a mask. People can decide what type of face mask they want to wear. Face masks are the most economic strategy to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

        In summary, many types of face masks have been worn to avoid the Covid-19 pandemic, but many believe that people should not wear a face mask for a long term. However, wearing a face mask will benefit all people around the world. Although face masks are uncomfortable, people must wear them to stop the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Santo Domingo 2021

PLYMOUTH, A GREAT COLLEGE TOWN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

 Hello, everyone,

In 2009, I had the opportunity to travel from my country, the Dominican Republic, to New Hampshire, USA. I went there to participate in the Summer Writing Institute at the Plymouth State University for the first time. The PSU is a higher education institution located in Plymouth, a beautiful college town in New Hampshire, USA from which I treasure unforgettable memories. Acquiring knowledge on writing and meeting great people during the experience will accompany me forever. Also, it has helped in my writing projects a great deal. A good example is my book El Autoaprendizajede Inglés (The Self-Learning of English).  I hope you all enjoy the images I share here.

Plymouth State University welcomed me to its beautiful campus and I just loved it.

I will never forget the reading and writing journeys in the Lamson Library.

I never thought I would have so great moments at Robert Frost’s house. He is one of my favorite poets.

Here is the University Police Station. They do a good job to guarantee people security.

In many beautiful mornings, when walking from my apartment in the university campus to the Laundromat or the pharmacy, I passed by the Town Hall on Main Street.

Besides the easily noticeable beautiful flora in the area, its fauna is great. This blue jay is a good example.

Squirrels are also part of how varied its fauna is.

Not all was sharing knowledge with other writing teachers in Plymouth. Playing Horseshoe with Sam and Max in Angie’s yard in a beautiful afternoon was part of the cultural exchange that resulted from the event.

Dancing my typical music, Merengue, with my friend, Gret, was another experience of cultural exchange.

Sharing with Gret and Barry at the Thai Restaurant on Main Street was a great part of the Summer Writing Institute grand finale.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 2021

An English Literature Class Analyzes Ropa Cara By Camilo

Hello, everyone, 

This time, I share a summary and an essay on the song, Ropa Cara by the Colombian singer songwriter, Camilo Echeverry. These two pieces were written by my English Literature class student, Lidia Mercedes. They are a sample of our teaching-learning process in the 2021 first semester. In order to get my students into literary analysis, I usually choose a song in Spanish, our official language in the Dominican Republic. I make sure the story behind the song is evident. Later, they explore the song, discover it and tell that story in a written summary. After that, many of the students brainstorm about general topics they think the song is about and tell the rest of the class the reasons for their choices. Right after that, they do the same with subtopics and support their ideas with evidence from the song lyrics or the story behind it. Finally they choose one general topic and three subtopics from the resulting lists and write down a five-paragraph analytic essay.

Summary on Ropa Cara by Camilo Echeverry

     The song, Ropa Cara, written by Camilo Echeverry is about a man who meets a girl on social media. She demands that he wear designer clothes. He starts to dress in expensive clothes for her. He reflects and realizes he is not that kind of person, so he decides to go away from her. 

Essay on Ropa Cara by Camilo Echeverry

     The song, Ropa Cara, written by Camilo Echeverry is about vanity. Vanity is an exaggerated expression of self-pride or feeling of superiority over other individuals. A vain person seeks to be admired by others and tends to have a derogatory treatment with people. Vain people like to show off their successes. They take care of their image in an exaggerated way and show their material goods with excessive pride. They need to be flattered and attract the attention of others as well; therefore, they surround themselves with people who are at their same level or higher. Nowadays, examples of vanity can be seen on social media, since those are means by which individuals can share their day to day activities. Thus, it is easier for many people to pretend to be what they are not, or pretend to have what they do not just to impress others.   

     First of all, toxic love is clearly noticed in Ropa Cara and it is characterized by behaviors that are emotionally or physically damaging to someone. Toxic love damages self-esteem and drains energy. Some of the characteristics of toxic love are insecurity, self-centeredness, dominance, control, and much more. An example of toxic love could be when in a relationship one of the partners tries to change the other to an excessive degree either physically or emotionally. Toxic love is shown in the song when the girl demands that the man change his way of dressing, and he starts wearing expensive clothes to please her. 

     A second issue related to vanity is identity loss, which is described as a process in which a person loses his/her essence seeking self-worth or approval from others. An example of identity loss could be when someone who has low self-esteem gets into a relationship. This kind of person will always seek and depend on his/her partner’s acceptance preventing the real them from being out there. Identity loss is shown in Ropa Cara, when the man forgets the things he is taught at home and starts wearing expensive brand clothes for the girl’s approval, but that is not the one he really is. 

     Another issue shown in the song is materialism and it is described as the belief that money, possessions, and comfort are the most important things to obtain in life, with a disinterest in or rejection of spiritual, intellectual, or cultural values. An example of materialism could be when a person marries another just because he or she is rich. Camilo Echeverry shows materialism in his song when the girl only focuses on expensive clothes, but she doesn’t care about the man’s feelings and values.  

     To summarize the analysis on the song, Ropa Cara by Camilo Echeverry, it is important to point out that vanity is an exaggerated expression of self-pride or feeling of superiority over other individuals. Also, toxic love is a love characterized by behaviors that are emotionally or physically damaging to someone. In addition, identity loss is a process in which someone loses his/her essence seeking approval from others. Furthermore, materialism is the belief that money, possessions, and comfort are the most important things to obtain in life. Camilo Echeverry, through his song, wants to show people the things someone who is in love can do just for the approval of the person he or she is in love with. In my opinion, Camilo made a good point with this song, because it clearly shows that when people seek approval of someone they are in love with, it can cause them to lose their essence, and do things they never thought of doing.