contents - Gallatin School of Individualized Study - New York ...

gabriela florestMyFirst Giftoday’s date is July 5th, 1988. My family and I are surprised by my father,who will take us on vacation to Michoacán, the state where my parentswere born and grew up. They got married and came to live in Mexico City.Now, we are going to go to visit my grandparents, for whom I feel affectionand respect. At present they look old and lonely. Although my six uncles andmy two aunts live far from them, they are watchful and support their parentsin whatever they need.The most exciting thing is that this time the trip is by train, not by busas we normally travel. It is not an ordinary train; it’s one of the oldest trainsstill working. I have heard that this line of railroads will be closed because thegovernment has some renovation plans.“All aboard,” I hear someone saying.At last! We are here in the train, and we take our seats. My sister and Iare permitted to go to take a look around. We go out to the end of the car, wherethere is a platform between the two cars and two benches so people can sit. Westay there to watch the panorama. After a while we see two girls come out. Theygreet us and we start a nice conversation. They are 15 and 18 years old. They livein Michoacán and now they are coming back from Mexico City, where they werevisiting their relatives. While we are talking, I am thinking that they look evenprettier with the accessories and clothes they are wearing. One of them has abeautiful bracelet that catches my attention. I really wish to have one like that,although I know that it wouldn’t look the same on me. I am not as pretty as theyare, and my clothes are not as nice as their clothes. They are also blonde, haveblue eyes and make up their faces.“You are pretty,” I say.“You two are pretty, as well,” they say.“But you are lucky; your parents must be rich.”They laugh and answer, “Well, we are not rich but our parents work hardFinding Encouragement103gabriela flores