I noticed that happiness appears numerous times during Enrique's trek north. The times when Enrique felt happiest usually concerned his mother and being near her. Once he makes past the "last big hurdle" into the US, Enrique sinks into the pillows in the rear of the car that took him to this moment. Nazario states, "Suddenly he is overwhelmed. Never has he felt so happy" (185-186). Similarly, his mother Lourdes feels happiest when she knows her son is safe and alive. She tests the smuggler to be sure he is okay and is relieved to know that he is. The author narrates, "It is Enrique. She feels pure happiness" (188). Another time when Enrique is happiest is when he receives photographs of JasmÃn. Another character from the story, Padre Leo, a priest from Nuevo Laredo, feels happiest when the migrants he cares for are fed and satisfied. He makes dangerous and illegal journeys to retrieve clothing and groceries for them. Nazario describes, "He is as gleeful as a child who has gotten away with something forbidden. He is happiest when the pantry is full and there is plenty to give away" (175). I think our happiest moments in life really describe one as a person. Because Padre Leo is happiest when the migrants are happy, one can see that he is man committed to service, generosity, and love. Enrique is happiest when his mom is near and is safe. He's also happiest when he sees photos of his daughter, so it's obvious that family is what makes him the most joy.
I feel the happiest when I'm reunited with friends and family. I love spending time with the people I love no matter where it may be. I don't care what I'm doing, it's who I'm with that matters. I always try to surround myself with people who make me smile and laugh. I love kids and seeing people I care about having a good time. I love the sense of accomplishment when everything needed to be done is finally completed. I feel extremely happy when hard work is ultimately paid off, when you've gotten a result from time and dedication. What makes you happy?
Instead of people bringing me happiness, like for Enrique, it is a place that makes me happy. I am the happiest when I am at the lake, my favorite place in the world. Whether I am with a bunch of friends or just my immediate family, I feel at peace and relaxed at the lake. This is the place where I can most be myself and feel comfortable in my own skin. When I go to the lake, I can leave all the worries and stress of high school behind and just be happy.
ReplyDeleteIt is safe to say that nothing in the world makes me happier than being at school. I'm not kidding, either. School is the only place where I can see everyone in our class at once. It's where I feel safe to be myself. I have never gone a day at Harpeth Hall without smiling or laughing at least once, and to me, that is everything.
ReplyDeleteI feel most happy when I am on the track or surrounded by friends and family. Track has been a part of my life ever since I was very young and I have loved it from day one. The track is where I spend the majority of my afternoons year-round. While I am at track practice, I forget all my worries and feel stress free after a long day. I love the accomplished feeling I get after completing a hard workout or finally getting the hang of a certain drill. It makes me happy to be part of a team as we cheer each other on during track meets and watch as our hard work pays off. When I’m not on the track or spending time with friends, I love being around my family. It makes me happy to go on road trips with my parents, spend a day on the lake with my cousins or cook and eat dinner with my grandparents.
ReplyDeleteNothing, besides my family and friends, makes me as happy as music. I can literally spend hours and hours by my piano or on the guitar writing songs and singing. Music brings me so much joy, and it is so much fun to experiment with different sounds and different genres on the guitar and piano. It has also become an outlet for me. When something is bothering or upsetting me, I can write a song about it. Music has really helped me express myself, and I am so fortunate to have found something I am extremely passionate about.
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