First Tutoring/Teaching Experience

This morning, I had the opportunity to tutor a little girl for the first time. I helped her learn new words, sound them out, and fill in the blank sentences. It started off really well. At times, she stunned me. She purposefully sounded words out the wrong way and added extra letters for more time or to avoid the task. I admit, I was a little unprepared because I didn't know what to expect. I noticed that we spent more time talking back and forth. Next time, I will allow her to dictate the class, avoid the "no" word, and review the differences between different letters that look the same. Tomorrow morning, I have the privilege of dictating my first adult class. Hopefully, it goes as smoothly as today and I don't feel intimidated or discourage my class. 

*Should I throw it All Away?*

I sat here today pouring my heart out to my best friend. I told her that I seriously considered throwing my book away. I thought nothing in it mattered anymore. If I gave up on the writing, then maybe I should've given up on it. She convinced me not to do it. Today, I've decided to pick up on page 251 and write my heart out. I will complete this novel and I will have it published by next year. I thought about stopping it because it would offend many of my friends. Since the events no longer are vital or active, then it can't hurt anyone. I'm a writer and taking away my pencil and paper was a big mistake... I put everything on hold to think. I pondered about the events of my story and how greatly they've impacted my life. I recall poignant words that I can never forget. Since these pages fill seven long novels of my life, then why must I throw them all away? Why must I push them back. It's beautiful to share my words with the world. Maybe they will reawaken your souls! Mine, has long been dormant. Not because of impossibilities, but because of pain that lingers in me. It doesn't relate to my story, but it corresponds with my world.

*When Will it All End?*

So, we live in a world full of guns, violence, drugs, and etc. Many of us ask when this will it all end? The unfortunate answer is, the world would have to end. We are all guilty of carrying our own demons. We all have our own issues and society is "peaceless." You can only follow your heart and your beliefs. The only guidance a human being has is from the people around them. Make sure you choose a noteworthy individual, with integrity, and honesty to follow examples from. If not, you'll land in a pit of danger. You will become a product of society. We are all products of society. Some things are inevitable and the only ultimatum is faith. Have faith and never cease to believe in every thing you do!!!!! 

*How to Naturally Reduce the Pain of a toothache*

Have you recently broke your tooth or developed a nasty cavity? Is your gum swelling up and you want to wrip out your tooth? On my birthday, I was chewing a piece of gum on an airplane and all of a sudden, I felt something crunch. It was my tooth. If you know me, I value my teeth, but I also love sweets. Almost every tooth in my mouth is filled. If you're running through the house and can't find ambesol or orajel, grab a glass of warm water with salt or some peroxide and start rinsing. If that doesn't work, look around for some tea. What can you do with tea? I'm not talking about drinking a cup of tea, silly. Take a mug of water (microwavable) stick a tea bag in there and microwave on high for one minute. Remove the tea from the microwave. Take out the tea bag, squeeze out excess water, and place it directly on the infected area. Leave the tea bag on your tooth for a few minutes. The pain is sure to subside, but you're not in the clear yet! Grab a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack and wrap it in a piece of cloth. Place it on your cheek, on and off for an hour. The throbbing should subside for a few hours or it may completely disappear. If it comes back, repeat the process. My mouth feels so much lighter and I can barely sense the ache! 

*Why am I uncertain?*

Sometimes, I sit here and ponder about the past. Where did time go? Why haven't I fulfilled all of my goals. The truth is, I'm afraid that this will be it. I'm terrified that I am stuck in this hole of uncertainty. Did I waste all that time and money going through school? Is there more for me out there? I try not to be negative, but I am clueless. I have attempted to find many diverse things, but there is nothing there. I wonder how life will end up for me. When I wake up in the morning and know how my day will end, I become unhappy. It isn't because of the people that surround me, but because I know I am worth so much more. So, I ask myself, why am I in this situation? Why haven't I stepped out of the trap? I have everything to back me up except support. I have gained a new opportunity, but I don't have everyone's blessings. I need knowledge, growth, and experience that everyone can grasp and comprehend. I need to discover who and what I was and am meant to be in my life. For the time being, I have given up doing all of the things that complete my smile. I am no longer writing my book, I am saving my words for later, and I have ceased to look for other opportunities. As I sit here and flip through recent photo albums, I see bags under my eyes. I am tired of this lifestyle, I am exhausted from the lack of self worth, and I deserve more. So, I sit here and pray for another open door, another miracle, and another fate. Why? Because I am worth much more than all of this. So, for now, I will continue to fake a smile, degrade myself, and accept worthless compliments. In the end, I know who and what I am capable of becoming. My intelligence is in my heart. I will keep asking for guidance, have faith, and hope. That is all I can do.

*My Messages & Tips for Young Girls Struggling From Bullies*

Believe it or not, I am a victim of childhood & preteen bullying. Many people in my past tortured me for what I wore, how I looked, and it started from the 3rd grade and ended in the beginning of 8th grade. The most honest thing I can say, is that moving to Florida was the best decision my parents ever made. I went through many different phases in my life. In third grade, I decided that I didn't want to be "popular" anymore. My friends were very upset with me. I started to hang out with a girl that everyone teased. She was my best friend for three years. The things that girls can say to young people in elementary and middle school are heartbreaking. Boys downgrade certain girls because of what the "popular" ones say about them. I was called ugly, disgusting, skinny, flat chested, frizzy haired, and etc. by many people in school. I never defended myself  to avoid confrontation. I always kept to myself and never let it get to me when people who once were my friends destroyed me. It hurt when these people would hang out with me after school, but avoided me while in class to "protect" their reputation. I am unique and I always have been. My style is my own and I am not ashamed of it. It has always been this way. The things that cut through me the most and made me cry everyday at home after school was the name calling. There's only so much a kid can do before they break. I was even accused of serious accusations, which I will not name because people thought I cared about their lives. It got so bad that in 7th grade, I would spend half my time in the nurses office. I would pretend I was sick, so that I didn't have to go to class. She told me that she was tired of seeing me and that I wouldn't pass any of my classes if I spent all my time in her office. Somehow, I couldn't confide in her. I didn't tell her about the people that ridiculed my appearance and the shape of my nose. I didn't tell her about the girls that picked on me and pushed my books down the stairs for no reason. They were despicable and had no excuse! When I moved down to Florida, it was a clean slate for me. People never called me names and most importantly, they respected me as a human being. Yes, for most of you that haven't figured it out yet, I am talking about Nutley, NJ. I love my hometown because it made me who I am today. Many girls can't handle the ridicule I've faced and they take what they think is the best resort. Losing a life gives your bullies satisfaction. Show them you can live. Continue going to school and being yourself. No one has the right to take away your dignity. As an adult, I've gotten the last laugh and deep satisfaction from apologies! Believe it or not, my bullies apologized to me for being jerks! They claimed they were jealous of me. The guys also apologized and some of them even asked me out. I refused most of them. Many people think I'm perfect and don't understand. I am a victim of bullying. It destroyed my self-confidence and self-esteem, but I survived and you can too! If you ever become a victim of bullying and feel that the only way out is death, please contact 866-939-0911 or 18002378255. It's never too late to get help. You are never alone! That's what I felt for so many years, but I wasn't. Don't be weak! Choose your life. It's more valuable than you may believe

*The Process of Obtaining Italian Citizenship*

I know many of you have asked me how to get your Italian citizenship. Surprisingly, I don't have it myself. Unfortunately, my father became a citizen of the United States of America in the late 60's and was forced to renounce his Italian citizenship. This was the common casualty of becoming a U.S. citizen. Thankfully, the laws have changed and my father was able to get back what was rightfully his. I couldn't even imagine giving up my citizenship and choosing between the two. It's an extremely difficult decision that many people faced in their American settlements. My maternal grandparents had to make the same painstaking choice. The truth is, no one knew any better. They thought that becoming an American was the best thing that ever happened to them. Here we are, years later, times have changed. It's a privilege to have both citizenships. It's an honor to have any two citizenships in the world. As an Italian American, born to an immigrant father and an American mother, I want what is rightfully mine. I believe that I should have the right to gain my Italian citizenship. The only reason I can't gain it is because my father renounced his over 30 years before I was born. If this has happened to any of your ancestors and you're looking to gain citizenship, it's a three year process. According to the Italian consulate, you must live in Italy three years before requesting citizenship. The only way you're protected is if you are a minor. Attention all parents, I highly suggest that you get dual citizenship for your children. In today's economy and society, it's beneficial when applying for a new job, school, travel, and etc. I absolutely adore Italy and I feel connected to "quella terra" (that ground). I will do anything I can to gain citizenship and opportunities that people across the world thrive for. Your first step is to visit your local consulate website, see if you qualify to apply for citizenship, make an appointment, and bring all potential documents (original and translated) with an apostille. 

Best of luck my friends!!!!! I am moving mountains... I wish you the same... Never let go of something you live for!