Tag Archives: Carlos Beato

La Vida Madrileña: An Identity Constructed

As Told by Carlos M. Beato (NYMP5)

“It was over five years ago when I first embarked on a study abroad journey that would change my life forever. While I matured in the most basic of aspects, I also had to learn how to deal with the issues of race, socio-economic status and culture.

In a country that claims to be so [civilly] advanced, the division of race and class in Spain was one that caught my attention. I found out in the very beginning that my not being white would not only affect where I could live but I was often granted access to certain neighborhoods only when I mentioned that I was an American student from the United States. Never in my life have I felt that I was not wanted and it was through this experience of searching for a “piso” in Spain that made these feelings a reality.  While it helped that I spoke Spanish well over the phone, it was not until I visited many of these potential living spaces that I experienced firsthand the Spaniard’s actual reactions to my darker skin color. Nevertheless, this experience prepared me for other similar situations [during my time in Spain] that would eventually warrant me to question my identity. Continue reading

Social Media Updates on Sept. 11th 2011

On Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011 there were more people that had “heard” about the earthquake on Twitter before the aftershock had even reached them. In the 10 years since Sept. 11th 2001, the world of social media has grown exponentially alongside the generation that experienced the said catastrophe first hand. Today I want to share with you some of the thoughts that other scholars have expressed back on the anniversary day.

 

Karen: 9/11 and Convocation. ‘Tis bittersweet.

Aya: today idk how i feel…but i’m proud to be a new yorker.

Yashika: This commercial with the little kids singing to the firefighters just gave me chills

Kelly: 10 years ago today… heard my media teacher say to our class, “This might be the most important day of your lives.”

Becca: Remembering 9/11 ten years later

Andrew: RIP to the victims, and live in peace to all the survivors.

Carlos: Can’t believe it has been 10 years….To think I was in my 11th grade AP US History class watching out the window as it happened.

Diane: Uncle Joe, ladder company 101, a hero and a loving father. We miss you and we love you. Gone but never forgotten.

Rana: My prayers go out to the heroes who lost their lives because of what happened ten years ago.

Naya: 9/11 ninth gr. Living environment class mom called me to the office-its world war 3 let’s go home!-mad scared :(