Greater Los Angeles

I lived in Santa Clarita for only a couple of years; it is in the Los Angeles County and it seems like it is a new city. A lot of people do not recognize this city, maybe because of having too little of getting amazing entertainment and food. I don’t have the same belief as others do, there are a lot of things you can do where you can have fun with your family and friends. Most importantly the city is safe, there are not many crimes you see, few gangs but those are teenagers who act “cool,” you could see police cars patrolling around neighborhoods. Santa Clarita is home to Six Flags Magic Mountain, the thrill capital of the world. I could not ask for any other place to live in and I am satisfied where I live now.

Santa Clarita is comprised of different ethnic backgrounds and cultures. In my neighborhood specifically, the Asians are the minority while Hispanics and Blacks are the majority. It does not bother me because I am aware that my surroundings shape how I am influenced. I respect all the other cultures that I see because we all live in one city and one roof. Living for only 3 years in Santa Clarita went by fast. I was changed and was expected to become independent since I started working on a part-time job. Since we had the lack of money, to go to work and school I had to take the bus.

Similar to Luis Alfaro’s experience in the story “Minnie Riperton Saved My Life,” he was bused and he and his family were moving a lot to different places. I relate to the feeling that busing is a good experience because some of my closest friends now I met because of taking the bus. Also as Alfaro’s experience of moving a lot somewhat parallel to mine. He comes from a valley that differs from the Los Angeles valleys while I come from a country with different standards of living compared to here in the United States. It was hard to adjust to the culture at first but with all the support from people that I have met and my families, it all turned out well.

Recognizing and appreciating the culture of others makes a city a better place. Los Angeles gave its diversity for a reason to unite people of different race, gender, and age. To live in this city together to face great journeys ahead.

 

Some of my great and fun journeys with amazing people:

 

What if?





Living in the greater Los Angeles area made me aware of the diversity LA had to offer. Everywhere I look I will catch myself seeing a different race and I question it- how did we all (of different ethnic backgrounds) come together at this one place? The book Another City by David Ulin gave me different viewpoints that I could relate to such as how racism stands and how my environment affect the way I live in Los Angeles.

In the story “Naked Chinese People” by Diane Lefer recognizes how racism stands in Los Angeles. When a person was of certain race they are treated differently individually. For example, the rules that apply to white people alone apply only to them and for them, while other races have their own designated rules that only apply to and for them. This rule of “applying” shows unfairness and it concerns me how could I make change for this? I have no power whatsoever as of now but I know as a student little by little I could make change by learning and utilizing from it.

I relate to the story of Diane Lefer of losing someone you love. I had gone through a same situation where I lost my aunt who I deeply care for. It was disappointing to find out and I wish I was there at her side to say my goodbyes. The “what if?” question was significant to the story dealing with; what if I had done choice A rather than choice B? What would have been the outcome? It applied to me as well with making decisions and just living my life. In the simple choice of should I have coffee or tea in the morning? The choices that we make affect an outcome that makes us who we are already. Why should I change it? I already like the person I am now.

In the story “The Exterminator” by Rob Roberge shows an effect of how we live in the environment of Los Angeles. Towards the end of the story it emphasizes a snow weather, and I thought of Los Angeles that way which is somewhat to not possible because of having the usual broad daylight and sunny weather. The way the author described it was like “the exterminator stands in the fluff of snow and now staring at the source of it.” Similarly, I had done something like this, as I stood in the fluff of snow wondering its magnificence and what the reason it brings to us. It was amazing watching the snow fall wondering where it came from. That experience was unforgettable especially because of the time it snowed which was in the new year of 2012. Seeing the most joy and hope everyone felt made me realize how this affects the life I live.

Having related experiences to the stories made me realize how we act and live our life relying in the city of Los Angeles. The city I like to call full of stars to catch and live your dreams.

Snow in Santa Clarita

Race does not matter as long as you care for each other.