English As A Second language ( ESL )

Our readers write from the Pacoima Skills Center in Los Angeles, California

Jalisco
by Isabel Sandoval
     Jalisco is the most popular and beautiful state in Mexico. Jalisco is located in the west-central part of Mexico.
     The vegetation in this beautiful state is very abundant. Cotton, avocado, citrus, tomatoes, watermelon, and also agave and sugarcane are grown in this state. The most popular product that is grown in this place is corn.
     The animals that are raised in that area are horses, cows and pigs. Horses are used for transportation, and cows and pigs are sold for their meat.
     In mines silver, bronze, and gold can be found, which are used to create jewelry.
     In the jungle, you can find dangerous animals such as huge bears, snakes, scorpions, and lions. Deer and snakes can be also be used to make clothes and shoes.
     Spanish and Nahuatl are spoken by people who live in that beautiful state.
     Clay shapes, and traditional clothes are created and found in several areas of the state such as San Juan de Los Lagos, Tonala and Zapopan, where people have been doing these for a living. The traditional dance, band, and the mariachi are popular in this place.
     People who travel to Jalisco enjoy being there.

Municipality of La Gomera, Escuintla
by Elizabeth Rodriguez
     La Gomera was founded in 1611. La Gomera is the most beautiful municipality. The weather is warmed and dry.
     People are concentrated in the hot tropical lowlands. Today, as in centuries past, sugar and corn are produced. Horses are raised only for transportation. Cattle, pigs and chicken are raised for meat in the lowlands. Iguanas are also found in this region.
     La Gomera is home to many fascinating forms of wildlife. Iguanas are seen in highest mountains. Coyotes, snakes, and many other animals are found in the rain forest.
     In conclusion, La Gomera is the most beautiful municipality surrounded by trees and beaches.

Guatemala
by Harold Tenas
     Guatemala is the most beautiful country in Central America . It's called The Land of Eternal Spring for the lush vegetation that you see all year around. Guatemala is divided in four natural geographic regions, but three are the major areas: South or Pacific Coast, Highland area located in the West and Central Region, and Northern Region.
       The Pacific Coast is one of the most productive regions in Central America. In this area, sugar and cotton are produced in large quantities that are often exported to many countries. Coffee is grown there. Our coffee is famous around the world. Cattle is raised in significant quantity and we export to Central America. Chicken, pigs, and fish are raised there too.
       The Highland area or “El Altiplano” is located in the West and Central Region. The Sierra Madre range crosses this area. The Altiplano is known for its agricultural activities, and diverse languages. In that area more that 20 languages are spoken. The most important are: Kakchiquel, Quiche, Mam, Sutuil, and Ketchi. Many different vegetables and fruits are grown there, such as onions, tomatoes, lettuces, and corn, apples, peaches, grapes, etc. They produce many different traditional clothes like traditional blouse or “huipiles,” blankets or “ponchos,” shawls or “shales.”
       The Northern area is important because of lush vegetation we have. Many of which have been declared protected areas by the national government. In the North, small tigers or “tigrillos” jaguar, snakes, scorpions and many different types of wildlife are found. Fish, cattle, pigs, and chicken are raised there too. This region is rich in natural resources like oil, mines, waterfall, rivers, etc.
       Guatemala is the most productive country in Central America. Our natural resources and geographic areas, our diverse language and many cultures made us the most important and beautiful country all over the world.

Jalisco, Mexico
by Miguel Landeros
     Jalisco, Mexico is located geographically in the west of Mexico, north of the Pacific Ocean. The state is rich in many ways.
     In the south of Jalisco, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, chilies, and radishes are grown. And melon and watermelons are grown in the west.
     Domesticated animals are very useful. Horses, donkeys, and mules are raised for transportation and pick up the harvest from the field. The rest of the animals are raised to be sold in the market.
     Natural resources that have been found in south of Jalisco are gold, silver, mineral water and carbon. Limestone is also mined in the west. It is a type of rock composed of calcium and carbonate, and it is often used in building construction.
     Wild animals are seen all around the state such as armadillos, deer, raccoons, bats, skunk, and coyotes.

Peru
by Ruth Moreno
                Peru is a country of great biologic diversity. It is located in South America. Peru is divided in three natural geographic regions: Coast, Mountain and Jungle.
            The Coast includes areas on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, desert, beaches and valleys. Many commercial fishing businesses are developed in this zone because marine fauna is very rich. Fish such as tunas, anchovies, sardines and shrimps are found there. Cotton, sugarcane, grapes, rice, olives and fruits are grown in the valleys. Natural resources are mined in this particular area such as copper, gold and silver. Algarroba is used to make natural coal. Pelicans, sea lions, penguins, guanay, deer and many other animals are part of the wildlife. Spanish and Quechua are spoken in cities of the coast. A variety of ornaments, money bags, blankets and ponchos are made by hands. Traditional dances such as marinera, festejo, tondero and alcatraz are danced and enjoyed by people of the coast.
            The Mountain is dominated by the Andean zone and deep ravines. Potatoes, corn, barley, lucuma, caigua, olluco, oca, wheat and lima beans are grown in this area. Cattle, sheep, goats, poultries, pigs and guinea pigs are raised by Andean inhabitants. Eucalyptus forest, molles, quinoa, silver, copper, gold and obsidian are found as natural resources. Llamas, alpacas, vicuna, guanaco, deer, vizcacha, chinchillas, condor and humming bird are seen as part of wildlife. Spanish and native languages such as Quechua is spoken in the mountain zone. Traditional folklore, marinera and huayno are danced there. Vases, guitars, drums and flutes are made by village people.
            The Jungle includes tropical vegetation traversed by the Amazon River. Camphor, coca, quinoa, maca, totora, rubber and bananas are grown in this region. Cebu bull, rabbits and guinea pigs are raised for meat. Natural gas, oil, gold, silver and copper are also found there. The richest wildlife is found in this jungle. Crocodiles, alligators, monkeys, jaguars, alpacas, snakes, vicunas, frogs, otters, whales, paiche fish, giant tortoises and tarantulas are some examples. Today, native languages as Quechua and Aymara are spoken in some cities of the jungle. Spanish is also spoken. Harps, guitars, drums and flutes are created by indigenous hands. Tarpuy and huayno are Peruvian dances that are in this area. Many vases, ornaments and traditional textiles are elaborated there.
            Peru is a mega diverse country. Their three climatic regions are rich in flora, fauna and natural resources. Furthermore, dances, music and souvenirs make Peru an amazing country to visit.

Puebla
by Edwin Flores
     It's a state that has culture, wildlife, vegetation, art and natural resources. It's located in the west of Mexico and it's surrounded by Veracruz, Tlaxcala, Mexico DF, and Guerrero. The state has two important geographic areas which are mountains and valleys.
     Puebla is known for its mountainous areas because all the mountains that are located in this state have some history. Generation after generation, the only legacy that our ancestors can leave us is the history of these mountains. There are three important mountains which are: “El PoPo,” “La Malinche,” and “El Pico De Orizaba.” "El PoPo" is located in the North of Puebla and so is “La Malinche.” The only mountain that is in the South is ”El Pico De Orizaba.” These three areas have the same wildlife, for example, foxes, deer, and owls.
    The valley is one of the most important geographic areas because from the valley people extract and get all the natural resources. Water, silver and cotton are some of them. Silver is the most important, for instance. There is a town called Tlexcoco that has a lot of mines and for years these mines have been the economical support of that town. The wildlife of these three areas is the same. Pigs, cattle, sheep, and horses are raised on those areas too. Also the vegetation is the same too; corn, beans, potatoes and wheat are grown on those areas as well.
     Therefore, Puebla is wealthy because of all the natural resources that can be found there. People of Puebla will always talk about their valleys, since the ancestors built their pyramids on those areas. On the other hand, the mountainous geographic area is located around Tehuacan which is known for its springs and mountains.

Sierra Juarez, Oaxaca, Mexico
by Cristina Perez
     The Sierra Juarez is a beautiful place in the west of Oaxaca. The Sierra Juarez is pretty gorgeous for its geographical areas such as mountains, which are located north of the Sierra Juarez. The other one is the desert, which is located in the East of the Sierra Juarez, and the last one is the forest which is located in the South of the Sierra Juarez.
     In the Northern part, bananas, sugar, corn, and mangoes are grown there. Also, cattle, pigs, goats, chicken and ducks are raised.
     In the East of the Sierra Juarez silver and marble are found. In the west part skunks, snakes, tigers, scorpions and wild boars are found.   The most interesting things are the languages spoken there such as Chinanteco, Zapoteco, Mazateco, Mixe and Spanish. The Sierra Juarez is recognized for its hard working people who make belts, hats, clothes, and jewelry.
         I decided to write about Sierra Juarez, Oaxaca for its gorgeous geographical areas, languages and its extensive wealth, agriculture, natural resources and traditions.

The State of Jalisco
by Maria del Carmen Rea
     Jalisco is located in the center of Mexico. It is bordered to the northwest by the Mexican state of Nayarit, to the north by Zacatecas, to the east by Guanajuato, and the west by the Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Guadalajara. Some of its most important regions are the Valleys, Mountains and Lake Chapala region.
     Valleys are located in the center of the state. This region is very important for the agriculture, ranches and tequila industries. Wildlife is very abundant in the valleys. Deer, mountain lions, squirrels, turkeys and other small animals can often be seen there. Cacti, corn, chili pepper, etc. are grown in that area. Also pigs, cattle, horses and bees are raised. Gold and silver are mined too. Spanish is spoken; we also have indigenous dialects such as Huichol.
     Mountains are located in the Sierra Madre Occidental. These are areas of primitive farms where traditional farming methods are used. In the mountains, vegetables are grown such as squash, onions, green beans, and tomatoes. Some fruits such as lemons, avocados, guava, pomegranate are also grown in this region. Handicrafts are made with wood, ceramic, blown glass as souvenirs. The traditional music is the mariachi.
     One of the most important and well-known in this region is Chapala Lake. There, a forest with different species of trees like pine trees can be found. Oil and natural gas are drilled in that region.
     Jalisco is a very pretty and an important place of Mexico. It's rich for its wildlife and natural resources that are found in all its areas.

Our readers write from Northwest High School, Omaha, Nebraska

My mom
by Abdikadir Ali
        This is about my mom, and her name is Maey Issak. She helps me when I need her help. She likes African songs and African food. She says I have a strong temper because she was eating African food when I was a little baby.
     My mom has had many struggles in her life. One day, she told me about the day her brother was attacked by a lion in Africa. I tell her I'm so sorry, and she tells me it is okay and I asked her what happened to him. My mom keeps on crying. I asked her, "Are you okay mom?" She says, “It is okay, Abdi.” My mom talks about him when she cooks that food he used to like.
     The last time I was happy with my mom was in Brazil. It was me and my mom and dad, and I was about six years old. Soon after, my dad died in America. That was the last time I saw him. I was so mad and crying too, and my mom was crying, too. That was the worst day in my life because I did not have anybody to tell me the entire story.
     I'm 15 years old now, and I'm not a big boy yet. I'm still my mom's little son. She knows that, too, and she worries about me, especially when I stay out too late with my friends.
     My mom tells me that when she was married to my dad people used to hate her. I ask my mom, “Then what happened after that?" She says, “That I cannot tell you.” I say, “Okay, mom.” My mom says, “Your dad was a good man.” I say, “Mom, I know that.”
     I also know that my mom is the strongest woman on earth.

My grandmother
by Geovanny Fernandez
     Well my grandmother is the most important person in my life because she took care of me when I was 2 months old. Since then my grandmother has been looking out for me. My grandmother is everything for me. I don't know what I'm going to do when she can't be here with me, but it's hard because I know one day she will have to go but I don't want that to happen because I love my grandmother.
     People ask me what kind of feeling do I got when I see my mom and my grandmother. I say that I saw my grandmother like my own mom. But I have to see my mom like my mom, but I say that I just see her like my sister. Now I'm having problems with her because I don't follow her instructions. I just want to stay with my grandmother. She has been really strong even though she is not strong and tall.
     But I can tell that every time I want to talk with her she knows how to listen to me and tell me what I need to do make things right. My grandmother has been like that since her mom died four years ago. I think that that has changed my life too even if my grandmother doesn't want to talked about it. She misses her like all my family does. But one day she will be with her. I know she will be happy when they see each other again and I'm going to be happy even though I'm going to be sad in the same time but I'm going to be happy because she is going to be happy.

My hero
by Khanie Ruot
     In this kind of world all you can count on is you, but in my world I count on my mommy and only her. If I want anything, I go to her. It's not because she's my mother, but because she is awesome. My mommy is the person I admire and the person I love. Also she is my one and only true hero.
     My mom is about six feet tall. She has brown eyes and hair and is the most loving person I know on earth. My mom is a very religious person. She is an elder in my church; she is the strongest women I know. My mom has been through very tough times, and she still keeps caring for me and my siblings. She left her country that she loved so much just to bring my family here to get our education.
     In my whole entire childhood I've never seen or lived with a better person. I admire my mommy so much. I one day would want to be more like her; she is responsible, respectful, loving and a very caring person. ''Bye mama, I love you," I would say when she is on her way to the hospital. When I was just a baby my mother worked at a hospital as a nurse. She gives people medicine and delivers babies. She would always come home late at night and I would be waiting for her until she gets back.
     In the country of Sudan many cultures think that women should do everything including cooking, cleaning, and children. When I was a child my dad didn't do much for my family, well he worked, as a governor, but that's about it. My mom lived like a single mother. He didn't help her with us at all. She had to raise us by herself. When she was around 22 years of age she would get up in the morning and go farming. She had boys at first. My two big brothers are Khor and Changkuoth. So they didn't really help her much. She would cook, clean and work all at the same time. About two years later she had move to Ethiopia where my dad was. She had finally had a baby girl. That was my oldest sister Nyawal. Many people call her Nyakim, or “doctor,” because she wasn't born until my mom went to see a doctor. When Nyawal was one my mom missed Sudan and both of my parents went back. They came to Ethiopia again and had Nyaluak.
     After that she had four girls and one boy: Duol, Nyamal, Khanie, Nyachiew and Nyamouch which means “gift from lord.” My mom is a great woman in life. I want to be like her one day. I think that if I ever turn out like her, then God loves me so much. I don't think anyone in this earth could ever replace my mom. That is just impossible.