Gratitude to Veterans

Author's note: In celebrating Memorial Day, I salute all veterans of yesterday, today, and future.

For the sacrifice made

Protecting us from invade

Willing to fight for freedom

Part of our nation’s anthem

Making your families proud

It can be felt all around

Through bravery, standing tall

Never backing down or fall

We salute you our heroes

Our appreciation grows

“Thank you” we continue to say

Remembering you everyday

Unspoken message

Dedicated to someone I still consider a friend.

How does one start a conversation

When lines of communication is broken

Each word tangled with emotions

Like a menu with many options

Silence has erupted

In a friendship now disrupted

Feelings try to compromise

Disagreement arises

Walk away, leave alone

Miss talking on the phone

Sad things ended up this way

Would give anything for yesterday

Never knowing how much

Enjoyed keeping in touch

Feeding off your energy

Thinking of you highly

How does one say “I love you”

When it has an unknown value

Despite what’s written or said

Still hope this message is read

Witnessing God's presence

Looking up at the sky this evening

I thank God for another blessing

To see another day

Allowing my health to be okay

Light shines from above

As I pray for those I love

It wasn’t too soon

That sun overshadowed moon

And to my surprise

His presence is before my eyes

Suddenly clouds move in

Feeling a chill on my skin

A small glow now in the distance

I stand in silence

Nightly ride

Dark blue sky arrives

Another day survives

Rush hour has passed

No rain in tonight’s forecast

Stand waiting for the bus

Hear kids laugh and cuss

Nearby building dims light

Moon is shining bright

Bus finally comes, I get on

So many of us yawn

Tiredness kicks in

Wipe away chalk from my chin

Quietness enters after next stop

One avenue closes shop

Another seems busy

People walk carefree

Stepping off I see

This place I want to be

A brief nightly roam

Someday calling it home

Puddle

Tear drops fall onto the surface

Cause a ripple effect that’s endless

Reflection sets the scene

Unraveling itself like a machine

The background is faded

How it got there is complicated

Defeat surrounds the puddle

Leftover efforts no longer able

To compete, be recognized

Shooed away like fireflies

The light has been dimmed

On the heart now trimmed

Crying a message with no connection

Aimlessly flow in any direction

Hollow space completely filled

Of a vision unable to rebuild

When it's time it's time

"When you open one door, there will be another one to open. It gets harder each time but if you stay focused, the doors will open for you." My dad used to say this to me growing up. I always found it most motivating and it's kept me steadfast in pursuing my goals. I appreciate his advice and for believing in me. I'm opening the door dad. Life lesson of the week, when you want something bad enough, one don't stop until the goal is reached. Self-motivation is key to success. I'm focusing on me now and not afraid to be direct about it. I'm ready to make my dreams a reality.

I attended a training about case management on Friday. It was an all day intensive about documenting case notes and using strength-based language in writing these notes. It also focused on clients' strengths and ways to effectively monitor their progress. I was definitely out of my comfort zone since I usually attend trainings relating to adult literacy/ESL. This class was not only helpful but added to my reason for wanting to be a social worker. Simply put, I love this stuff! I had a chance to talk with the facilitators, also social workers about my interest. One in particular gave me good insight as to how to diverge into the field. Of course grad school is the starting point, but there are other ways to get involved. I appreciate her feedback and compliment. She said that she liked my energy in the class, and "the world would be lucky to have you [as a social worker]." I'm honored by her words. This is not the first time I heard this. A sign perhaps?

After the training, I taught my class. It felt great knowing I am doing and pursuing two careers I love very much. I feel lucky and blessed to be in a position to do just that. I think my students would be proud of me knowing that I want to make a difference in this world. What a great way to do that by being both an educator and social worker! My door is starting to open and I'm very excited by what's behind it.

Dara Day 3

Saturday, May 19, 2012 

Take a walk with me

On another journey

Of reflection and time

Well spent you’ll see

Started out with a movie

Something not always done

A matinee, ate some popcorn

Enjoyed laughing at the comedy

Heading down the escalators

Didn’t know where to go next

More people came in the theater

Observing the new movie flyers

The sun was out

Smiled over the nice weather

Grabbed a bagel and juice

Deciding my next route

Pink roses align the walkway

Sat at a green table

Munched on the bagel, thinking

Wishing everyday was like today

 

Teens chat, little boy chased pigeons

A man talked loud to himself

Ladies walked by with shopping bags

Their actions blended like crayons 

Sky was blue, few clouds around

Cool breeze made the flowers bounce

Like a wave of colorful pinks and purples

Suddenly I heard no sound

Took some pictures of this scene

Curious onlookers watched me

Love how camera captures life

Clear, beautiful, serene

Went into the city

So crowded and busy

The doors opened, many rushed through

Been years since taking the ferry

Looked out onto the water

Breathed in the oncoming breeze

Reminisced during the ride

No one near was a bother

Hello to an unfamiliar island

Discovered a seating area

With tourists, family gatherings

Alone but not saddened

Tall building seen in the distance

Music playing in my ears

Reflecting, remembering

A structure of such essence

Grateful for this unplanned event

It has been a good week

Of newness, life lessons and wisdom

Feeling relaxed and content

  

 

Vacant lot closed and a grand opening

5-11-12 Friday night: Success! The vacant lot has been closed. Now let's see if any building will occur. At least now neighbors can breathe a sigh of relief.

5-12-12 Today: I did a story about my friend's grand opening of his new supermarket. This grand opening is a great accomplishment to my friend since he also owns the discount store next door. Walking in, Tee stood smiling and saying, "I was wondering when ya'll were coming!" Both my mom and I said, "We're so happy for you!" as we exchanged hugs and applause. His staff were applauding too. With heavy competition from nearby businesses, Tee has been struggling to keep his discount store afloat. This supermarket will not only help in dealing with competitors, but will offer a convenient supermarket that includes a fish market for all to enjoy. I asked Tee if I could do a story about today's grand opening. He willingly said yes and allowed me to take pictures. This is my first story where I interviewed someone, took pictures, and featured such an event. My amateur reporting skills are increasing. My article on this story can be found on Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/article/new-supermarket-adds-flavor-to-bed-stuy-neighborhood-1

I am very proud of Tee and wish him nothing but success. When I asked him how he feels about his new supermarket, Tee proudly said, "I am grateful this is finally happening."

Should I be called "Investigator Dara?"

I've been on my own trail of something different in which I've been promoting my writing and doing some investigative work. This is also Teacher's Appreciation Week where we teachers are honored for our hard work and dedication to our students. I'm proud to be a teacher. I'm proud to be a writer. I love to write both creatively and about newsworthy issues. In knowing Greg Mocker from PIX11 news, he has inspired me to write and investigate matters that's happening in NYC, particularly in my neighborhood.

Last week I posted about a vacant lot that's been posing danger in my neighborhood. I've wrote about it on Examiner.com, called NYC311, and shared this with Mocker and another reporter on PIX11. I am happy to report that my concerns have been heard. Not only did Mocker reported about this lot on Wednesday, he got in contact with the lot's owner (http://www.wpix.com/videogallery/69860127/News/Mocker--Empty-Lot-Fight#pl-62885206). He is now aware of the situation. I witnessed some men, which is believed to be the lot's owners or representatives from the realty company, assessing the trash inside the lot. The lot owner, according to Mocker, said he will have the lot cleaned up. I checked the lot today. It still looks the same. Let's hope the owner keeps his word.
Here's my recent article about this update: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-vacant-lot-saga-continues

Its been four weeks into the semester and each day I admire my students more and more. They have been working very hard in learning English, and have a positive attitude about it. For homework, I asked them to describe their perfect day. The next day, I had them draw or cut out pictures describing their perfect day. I love art and think it's a great way to express oneself. On a personal note, it helps relieve stress, anxiety, or sadness. I have to admit this assignment not only helped them practice English, it helped cheer up my mood.

I've been seeking volunteer opportunities in social services to gain experience and insight into the social work field. I submitted applications and my resume, but so far no luck. I always thought finding volunteer opportunities would be easier than landing a job. I was wrong. I won't give up. My goal in life is to help people and make a difference. I pray an opportunity presents itself to me soon.

So should I be called "Investigator Dara?" Nah, I think I'll stick to being called "Teacher" and "Writer" for now.

The unwelcomed next door neighbor

There's this vacant lot next to my building. It's been abandoned for over two years and it's an ugly sight. Lately, there have been break-ins, a small fire, and people roaming around inside. The doors have been torn down which leaves room for crime to occur. It's dangerous walking by it. It's also scary knowing this is a hiding spot for anyone to start trouble. I have reported this to NYC 311, reporters on PIX 11 news, and tried to get neighbors to stand with me to get this fixed. To no avail, the lot is still open and no help has arrived. This is one next door neighbor I wish not to have. Something must be done before someone gets hurt.

Here's my story about this problem on Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/article/vacant-lot-poses-danger-one-brooklyn-neighborhood

The Empty Bubble

How is it possible

To be surrounded by

Next to, in front of, behind

So many, don’t want to hide

Inside a bubble of circumstances

With a variety of faces

Being the magnet to others

Unable to magnetize

Friendships that build relationships

Try to reach out, left aside

Watch everyone come together

And yet asked “what’s the matter?”