Writing Process on Ethnography

This weekend I spend my time learning more about the Occupy Wall Street Movement, and simple facts such as when did it begin and why did it come about. I believe this topic of Occupy Wall Street is very important to everyone, although many people don't know what it is really about. This week i am scheduled to have an interview with Jeffery Edwards who is a professor at Roosevelt University who follows the movement on Occupy Wall Street, he also teaches a course on the topic. As well I am having another interview with a Roosevelt Student Poe Masoud, a senior at Roosevelt who is majoring in Political Science/Imagery. She goes to the gatherings and supports the Occupy Chicago Movement. I am excited to learn more about the Occupy Wall Street Movement, I am not a part of this movement but Jeffery Edwards has invited me to one of the gathering to see what the movement is about. This would be a great opportunity to analyze the atmosphere of the culture. 

Arizona New Law

The new law that was past in the state of Arizona, if just one of the few to eliminate an identity. Couple of years ago Arizona legislation past a law that would permit all police officials to check assumed latinos if they had documentation on them. Of course this law violated the Constitution which led the U.S Government to sue the state of Arizona, the supreme court viewed this law unconstitutional and was appealed. Now results that the state of Arizona past another law into affect the outlaws of Prohibits the teaching of Spanish and anything dealing with the Spanish language. Right now the law stands, but in my opinion I believe this law is unfair and unjust not only to Latinos, but those who use this dialogue every day.  Right now the United States government has not taken any action, but I wouldn't be surprise if the state of Arizona gets sued again for unconstitutional practices. Over the past two years, the population of Latino’s has decreased on the state due to unfair laws being passed.

Opportunities Making An Impact

“Corre Corre, Centra la pelota,”

 This is what happens when Jesus is coaching on the field telling his players to be tough and keep the soccer ball in their possession.

 “Why is number 8 open, Gio bloquealo, Get it out!!!! Good.”

 Jesus Bolanos runs up and down the soccer field telling his players to stay active, alert, and better than the opponent. The games are tense, with 11 players on the field, Jesus always finds ways to improve his line up in order for his team to score or be the dominant team on the field.

 “Goooooooool”

Finally Pasteur team scores, but Jesus doesn’t stop there he tells his team to put pressure and the team does whatever it takes to win. Rain or shine Jesus is always out there motivating these young elementary students about success, but most importantly having fun out in the field as a team.

                Louis Pasteur Elementary school is located in the South side of Chicago, only three blocks west of Midway Airport.  At the time, Pasteur did not offer any after school activities for the students.   Pasteur school changed its administration in August of 2010. This meant new teachers, new staff, and a new principle. Jesus started working at Pasteur school as in August of 2011 school year. He had previously worked at another school by Pilsen.  He transferred to Pasteur School seeking for opportunity. Though Jesus was just a security guard at the school, he wanted to get involved.

 “I used to work over by Pilsen, but I really didn’t like the school” he said.

 But it wasn’t because he had a problem with the students but rather a problem with the administration. The lack of opportunity was his biggest reason he moved over to Pasteur. When I asked Jesus about ways the other school turned him down he told me that he simply wanted to start a soccer program at the other school but the principle was ignorant about it and told him that the kids don’t need soccer.

                A legacy began when Jesus joined the Pasteur staff. He immediately knew that he wanted to start a soccer program. With summer coming to an end and soccer season quickly approaching he knew he had no time to waste.  He asked Mr. Contreras, the Principle at Pasteur School, if he could start up a soccer league for the kids. Mr. Contreras enthusiastically said yes. Over 100 kids showed up to try-outs, but he could only select 40 students to participate. It was broken down 20 players for the 5^th and 6^th grade league and another 20 students to play for 7^th and 8^th grade league.

“The process was not easy,” he says, “there were some problems with the paper work.”

 Jesus had all the paper work done to begin the league. He had every player physical in order to play, but Ms. Rincon was giving him a hard time.  She was not responsible on handling the paper work that needed to go to the CPS league of sports. He mentioned that, because of her lack of responsibility the soccer league might have not happened; it was because Jesus was always on top of the situation.  Ms. Ricon was the gym teacher at Pasteur. She had a great amount of hatred towards Jesus because she wanted to coach the soccer team.

“Actions speak louder than words,” said Jesus, “ she said she was going to coach the team but she never did.”

                After students had dismissal at 2:45, they immediately became athletes out in the field. A very quick transaction. Jesus needed to get the entire team in shape and he had only less than a week to do so before their first game.   Drill after drill, it was difficult for Jesus to teach all the young Athletes ways to improve.  I was at one of the practices seeing how it was a large group and decided to offer my help. He agreed. I coached the 5^th and 6^th grade league and Jesus would coach the 7^th and 8^th grade league. At practice, Jesus wanted all players to give it their best.

“Remember if you don’t do good in practice I won’t put you in the games,” he said to the team.

 His words made the team work even harder. Sweat after sweat these kids wanted to prove to him that they were serious and committed to the team. This was no joke, it was soccer.  Jesus allowed no mistakes; he only allowed perfection on his drills. If he felt that someone was doing a drill wrong or sloppy he would make the player repeat it over and over until he got it right.  

                As the players conditioned, and all the paper worked was done, Jesus faced one problem. All of the soccer team members needed uniforms to participate in the league.

Jesus said, “Todos los uniformes de calidad estaban caros.”

 Jesus and I went to a soccer store called PIRMA, to look around for some uniforms, but the ones in budget weren’t good quality. We tried to negotiate with the seller and he finally agreed to give us a good deal one some good quality uniforms. Blue soccer uniforms for the 5^th and 6^th players and lime green for the 7^th and 8^th grade players. The total was around 800 dollars, as we counted the money we had collected; we noticed we were short on money, around 200 bucks.  Jesus covered the remainder of the balance out of his own pocket.

  Jesus mention, “It’s for the kids you know, and plus the uniforms look good. Hopefully next year we ask the school for money.”

 Jesus was eager to see how his soccer players looked on their uniform(s). 

                “Coach Bolanos teaches the team how to work together; I actually got better this year, hopefully the team wins more games next year.” Said Miguel Hernandez from the 8^th grade.

 When the team had practice, rain or shine, Jesus always had a smile on his face, motivating his young soccer players to give it all they got.

 “I’m glad Pasteur has soccer now, It’s my first time I have ever been part of a team,” said Robert Kwinowky, “I always try to compete with my (twin) brother (Mathew Kwinowky).”  

                During the school hours, Jesus may just seem like your ordinary security guard, but to these students he is much more than a guy in a blue uniform and a badge. He is a man who began a legacy Pasteur Elementary School. He made dreams come true; he gave an opportunity to these young scholars to play ball after school and gain responsibility.

“I do it all for the kids Agui, (nickname)” said Jesus, “it gives them something to do after school you know, it keeps them off the streets and stuff like that”

                It is people like Jesus Bolanos who ultimately make a huge impact in a community and in a child’s life. Jesus began a legacy at Pasteur School. As an alumni of Pasteur School, this are the opportunities I wished I had as a little kid. Now to see how Jesus gave these young scholars the opportunity brings a joy to my face, as well to parents, the community and faculty members at Pasteur School.  

Over the past school year, students at Pasteur signed a petition demanding a soccer field in their community. Their voice got heard; Chicago Park District immediately began construction in August and finished the project in November. Students at Pasteur, not only did they have a soccer team, but a brand new artificial soccer field to play on. This was a huge impact to the community. Numerous sponsorships came to the grand opening of the new field, including Mayor Emmanuel, and some players form the Chicago Fire. It is amazing how Jesus opportunity became a great success in a school and in a community. It is people like Jesus who really make a difference in communities. 

Profile Process

As I interviewed Jesus Bonanos, I noticed that he gave me good answers, I received very good quotes which i can incorporate in my profile. In the class activity we did today 2/6/12 as i gave my group members an idea of what i was writing about, they told me i should get someone's else prospective on how they see Jesus. i mentioned to my group that Jesus had many obstacles to encounter.Though he was just a security guard he wanted to open up his opportunities ans ultimately is why he did the soccer program at the school. right now i am in the process of debating whether i should interview this gym teacher at the school who gave Jesus a hard time starting up the soccer program. i know my introduction needs to be strong. I need to get people's attention introducing someone that is not famous but began a legacy at a school.

Profile

As i read the different types of profiles, it gave me some ideas of how i want to start my profile. i know i need to ask my interviewer tough questions and at the same time i need to find ways of how to keep my audience engaged on what they are reading. I noticed that the introduction plays a big factor how to keep the audience engaged. I already know on the person in which i am going to profile, it is an unknown person, but a known person in a school. He is a security guard at Pasteur Elementary school located by Midway Airport. I had the honor to become friends with this person who i am profiling and have a great sense of respect of what he did for the children at this school.

Sommer's approach vs Pratt's approach

“Between the Drafts” by Nancy Summers writing is useful to the audience in various ways. The author is tells the audience that it is important as a writer to open new perspectives when it comes to revision. It is important for a writer to have authority and control of his/her ideas. She mentions that many drafts doesn’t necessarily mean that a paper improves. She argues, that it is the point of view, and how we revise that makes a paper a success. It is not about making it better, it is about getting your point of view across the best way as possible.

“Arts of the Contact Zone” by Mary Louise Pratt writing is not very useful on improving a writing process. The author focuses more on how “we” as an audience have different types of cultures depending on various factors. She argues that we would not judge a culture no matter what, we should welcome the culture an what it has to offer and learn from what it has to offer or teach.

Amigo Chino Review

Agustin Castrejon

October 24, 2011

English 101

Bigger is Better

             Imagine yourself starving; your stomach is growling. You feel as in you haven’t eaten in days. If you don’t get anything in matter of seconds, you feel like you are going to starve to death. You order a torta, yet you are not satisfied. Not because of the taste but because of the size of it.  Well that is not the case when you order out of, “Amigo Chino”. Amigo Chino is not your typical Mexican restaurant, anything served is supersized.  Amigo Chino is a Mexican restaurant located in the north side of Chicago, by Central and Irving Park. (5601 W. Irving Park.)

             I first visited Amigo Chino Restaurant in November of last year. As you walk in into Amigo Chino, you get a sense that you are entering a Mexican utopia. You automatically notice the art on the walls, painting of animals and roosters. You can hear the cooks in the kitchen, working on the grills with their spatula. You can smell the carne asada coming from the kitchen. Nature is very well welcome; by having plants all around the restaurant.  The restaurant has about 16 tables. On weekends the restaurant tends to have a lot of business; with all the tables full and many customers ordering food to carry out. Amigo Chino is not a fancy restaurant. The taqueria has more carry-out than sit-ins.

As I waited, with family members and friends, for a table; we knew it was going to be a wait. It was not until 15 minutes later, the waitress led us to our table. (Keep in mind it was about eleven of us.) As everyone took off their coats and sat down, the waitress quickly brought the menus, two baskets of tortilla chips, and three types of salsas. Salsa verde, salsa de cacaguate, and pico de gallo- all which were very good and spicy. La mesera, the waitress, asked everyone what we wanted to drink and I quickly replied, “Una coca para mi”. As everyone was looking at the menu, I already had in mind what I wanted to eat.  As the mesera brought everyone their drinks, she asked us if we were ready to order. We all hungrily replied yes!

As I grab a tortilla chip and added sasla verde, I did not know what to expect. As the tortilla chip touched my tongue; I could automatically taste the salt.  As I started munching and crunching the tortillas chip, my taste bugs gave me a sudden reaction. The salsa verde was spicy. Although I couldn’t see myself, I knew my face was red; the later felt a sweat break out. I quickly drank out of my coke.

I ordered torta de milanesa de res. A torta is like a hamburger, but instead of being round, it is wide. I ordered my torta de res; with lettuce, avocado, re-fried beans, sour cream, tomato. As the waitress brought our food to our table, in less than 15 minutes, all we could say is “Holy Crap!” The food servings were double the size to your typical Mexican restaurant. As the plate sat right in front of my eyes, I seriously did not know how to eat this supersized torta! So I used a fork and a knife cut and to eat my torta. The plate in which the torta came in was very long and wide. You can see the steam coming out of the torta indicating it was freshly prepared. La carne de res was sticking out the bread, you could see the sour cream touching the lettuce. You typically use your two hands to eat and enjoy a torta, just like a hamburger. As hungry as I was I couldn’t finish the torta, but I surely did enjoy it. Everything was great from the appearance of the torta to the delicious taste of the torta.   

            Mexican restaurants such as Los Comales or Coculas are family diners, known around the city of Chicago; they may be famous for their Mexican dishes but their torsta are all the same size and about the same on the pricing, which is about $3.75 plus Tax. When you go any Mexican restaurant or taqueria and order a torta, you notice that the telera, the bread the torta uses, are all the same size. Usually it is because bakeries make the bread for restaurants. What is so unique about Amigo Chino it is that they don’t have to rely on bakeries to make their teleras, because they make their own on the spot as well as their tortillas. Amigo Chino makes everything homemade so it is delivered fresh to the customers. Although, Amigo Chino tortas are double the size to a regular tortas the pricing will also be double. An Amigo Chino torta will cost you about eight dollars.

            Amigo Chino has delicious and supersized Mexican foods. Burritos, for example, are about four inches thick of meat and a foot long! Big right? I recommend Amigo Chino to people who are real hungry or also those who like to share food. I would definitely pay a visit to Amigo Chino anytime but of course I would need to be very hungry. What makes Amigo Chino so unique, are the supersized meals they have to offer. Despite, the restaurant’s name Amigo Chino, meaning in English Chinese Friend; it the restaurant has nothing associated with Chinese food. So don’t expect ordering shrimp fried rice and a taco on the side, because it is only a Mexican restaurant.