Bad Influence

When Cofer had to choose between and Catholic retreat and a vacation in Puerto Rico to visit the family, she chose Puerto Rico. She was recently place on house arrest because her and her close friend had a chance to sleep at a guy’s house. They both had to lie to their parents because they know they were not allowed to see a guy. Their parents found out and drove to the guy’s house. Soon as she got off the plane she was soaked with sweat. Her family thought she had asthma so she used that to her advantage. She wasn’t really happy at first because the family watched drama shows and there was a rooster that didn’t know what time to crow. The house still did not have a telephone. They still rely on letters and telegrams. One day they went to the beach to go crab hunting and for papa to work his magic. The girl was around her age. They started to talk and hang out more. When her mama arrived she felt that she wasn’t sure if Cofer was going to hate her for sending her down here. But she actually had a good time. She was bonding with her family.

            There was a strong culture in the story. They drink con leches a lot and special herb drinks to heal problems and sickness. I started to understand the title, Bad Influence. Cofer’s friend back home was a bad influence and were discussing with her new friend about her guy and if he was a bad influence. When her mother came she asked about her friend. Her mother said she was happy at the retreat and was transferring to a new school in the fall. Cofer just laughed and thought of the plans they would make once she got back. She knows her mother was saying that so she would become a good girl again.  This story consists of a young girl that is a teen that is trying to find her identity and fitting in at school while incorporating both heritages, Puerto Rican and America.

            Yesterday, I have learned a new word. Nisei, which means the first generation to be born in America. My siblings and I am Nisei. We are one fourth Japanese. My mother was born in Japan and lived there until she was five years old. She then moved to America and lived here ever since. My grandma lives in Maryland now. She still uses some our culture in her home. I don’t think she has gone back to Japan to visit. I would like to go to Japan one day to visit and maybe live there for a bit.