Laguna 1

Sara Laguna

Rincon

ENC 1102

My name is Sara Laguna. My first language is not English, it is actually Spanish. I have

always struggled with writing and the grammatical aspect of it because to a certain extent I, still

try to translate words and phrases from Spanish to English. Expressing myself through writing is

not a forte of mine, due mostly to the fact that I cannot seem to find the “right” words to put my

ideas into writing. Unfortunately, I have a negative connotation with the word writing and it was

not until recently that I began admiring the complexities of poetry. I hope to see writing

differently by the end of this class, not only to enjoy writing for the rest of my college career, but

to also be able to express myself, as well as to indulge and further understand literature. Writing

made a significant impact when I was first learning English, although I could not properly talk it

was easier for me to read it. Reading children's books, I began to understand the American

culture a bit better and have something in common with the other students around me. Learning

the English language and its intricate writing rules, allowed me to appreciate my Latin language

and culture even more.

If there is one thing that can define a true Latino, is the love for dancing. Latin dance is

something that has been embedded so deep in the culture that many times the importance of the

lyrics in the music is completely forgotten. Latin music has a way of joining the thirty-three

Latin countries together, regardless of, race, religion, belief, and even language or dialect. Latin

music is essentially a mix of cultures. During a time when slavery was happening and a new

world was forming in the Americas, the trials and tribulations of such times called for emotional
 Laguna 2

release. With limited resources and African influence new instruments came about with new

rhythms and new messages. Music became a way of raw emotional expression. During this time

music was only recorded for purposes of the church, it was not till later that this “informal”

music was finally recognized and written down as notes and lyrics. In today’s Latin

communities, Latin music can be used to win over the girl of your dreams, or to celebrate the

beauty of life, as well as to cry over a lost love. It is the power of the lyrics that allow the “users”

of this genre to identify with the emotion the writer was feeling when the words were put in

paper and then recorded. Although the rhythm characterizes Latin music, it is also the lyrics that

truly give meaning to the art.

The International Baccalaureate program is an accelerated, higher level program in

several countries. This program is supposed to provide high school students with a deeper,

global, and well-rounded education. The IB program, as previously mentioned, is an

international program. This meaning that the standards, as well as the rules of this program, are

very specific and follow one common agenda. In order to fulfill the requirements of this program

there is a set of guidelines one must follow. Take for example the theory of knowledge paper that

needs to be written. The topic is open ended, but at the same time there is a set structure in place.

One must first choose a knowledge question to explore and answer, then using an area of

knowledge and ways of knowing, one must formulate an answer to the knowledge question. In

order to successfully complete and continue in the program the guidelines for each area of

learning must be met. The rules and structure set for writing and formatting each paper or

assignment hinders the way the student may want to express themselves; they tend to focus more

so on the structure than the content. However, structure allows the scoring committee to have a

concrete guide to score the students “ability” or knowledge in the given subject. The IB Program
 Laguna 3

helps students learn things out of their comfort zones, and helps them view things differently in a

structured way.

Whether it be lyrics of a song that make you dance, or words of a structured essay that

make you stress. Without the writing component of each genre, there would be no genre. How

could simple rhythms talk to the love of your life, how could you sing at the top of your lungs

about living life without lyrics? How would IB, or learning in general, happen without any

writing, any set writing guidelines? Writing is indispensable to each genre, lyrics call for the

feelings within, while educational writing calls for learned synthesized information. Writing all

comes together to form our world and constitute every genre of our lives.