Gilberto,

Thank you so much for your post; I really enjoyed reading it. A line that stood out to me was: “many people that think women are weak because of their strength but that’s not true and women can be strong, like Tris.” I liked this line because it was a different way to look at your novel, but seeing the female protagonist. It is true women are strong and are fearless, but are often not portrayed that way in the media, the news, or in fiction. It is great that Divergent not only shows that people doubt women, but also shows the woman standing up to this doubt.

Keep Writing!

Hi Gilberto,
It saddens me that children so young in between the ages of 11 and 17 are already trying drugs because they are still so young and don’t realize how bad it could be for them, that really caught my attention in your blog. But, I do agree that peer pressure is where common drug use comes from because most young teens want to follow the crowd. Also, I do agree with you it is best if children learn about the consequences that drugs will lead them to because like you said it does get worse as they get older, it may be fast money but it’s not the right way to earn money. I am looking forward to reading more of your blogs, great job!
Sincerely,
Janeth

Gilberto,
Your post has done a very good job bringing to my attention the large influence of making fast money with young children and teens. I never thought too much about this aspect but you bring a good point in supporting your thoughts on why maybe there are so many selling drugs. On the other hand, I would disagree with your comment on how teens are not aware of the consequences. I believe that they are very much aware of possible consequences but see the benefit of getting fast money more satisfying at the moment which blurs the cost of their actions, for example going to jail as you mentioned. I do appreciate you projecting your desire to take action in stopping teens, I am looking forward to more of your work.

Hi Gilberto,

I agree with what you said about young people already trying drugs at an early age. They don’t realize what the consequences will be when they actually experience it. I also agree that peer pressure plays a big role in teens using drugs. Some teens don’t get taught the consequences of drugs and think it’s harm free. So I think schools should have a program about the consequences of other different drugs. Just like how some schools have sex-ed they should do something like that for drugs more.

Gilberto,
Hectors responses to the questions about drugs shocked me. I knew that it was a problem, being in high school and seeing it first hand, but did not see the larger long term implications you pointed out in your piece. I wonder wether there have been studies done on high school drug dealers and where their lives go after they get caught. After reading this article https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/monitoring-future-survey-high-school-youth-trends I am hopeful that this habit can change for many. thanks for sharing this story, I look forward to reading your writings in the future.
Simon