Tatianna Alonso

Tatianna Alonso

Professor David Lane

Code: 64247

19 September, 2015


Q(1) When I think of Gumby land and relating the scenario to my life I think of religion first. Growing up I had a very backwards religious type of family. By that I mean yes they were religious but they weren’t the best at practicing what they preached. That must of been the most confusing for me trying to except some word from some guy who leads people who aren't even fully committed to him. The whole concept just never settled right with me; this isn't the only reason I later disagreed with faith, it's just one. Well going back to Gumby, I was raised to occasionally go to church on sundays and as I got into my teen years I was taught to attend youth nights as well. I did so because it was expected of me. This is how I was caught in Gumby Land because for the first 10 years of my life I never disagreed with being told what to believe in. It wasn't until I was around 14/15 that I began to question the things I “believed” in. Once I took on my own view things made more sense. Being young and religious I fell for something I believed was false, Not only was it not right, it wasn't wrong either. I didn't disregard other's faith and I didn't just think their beliefs were- for lack of a better word- bullshit. I just didn't think that was the right belief for me. I had found an escape from my own Gumby Land and discovered being agnostic and questionable isn't wrong it's just being more of a critical thinker in my own life. I have learned to love that about myself, I will challenge all matters regardless of where the herd is going.

Q(2) Maya being the persuasive and manipulative Hindu idea is someone i've run into before. This takes me back to being younger and being convinced I was destined by the universe to have a somewhat miserable childhood because I found myself in so many ways different. Now Maya would be by subconscious mind telling me different is bad. At a very young age I was diagnosed with dyslexia so I would be the kid in class fearing to get called on to read outloud. I also lived with my grandparents so that made me feel alone when kids- having no filter- would ask where my parents were and why they don’t come pick me up from school like theirs do. Another thing to add to my outcasting was the fact that I lived in a middle to low class family; we didn't struggle but we also weren't comfortable, hence why I say middle to low class. There were many factors growing up that I saw as unfair. Why me? Why must I be the one to lead this journey. Maya was the glass that’s half empty to me; I felt no comfort in being different. This was until High School came about. People typically find this to be the years they find themselves. As it was for me, I slowly began to see my individuality is what makes me stand out. Why blend in when you can be different. I then began to appreciate growing up the way I did because the dyslexia made me realize I have a problem and can still make A’s and B’s- I not only overcome my disability but I succeed at doing so greatly. Growing up with less money makes me appreciate all I earn now. And lasty growing up with my grandparents shows me how much Love I get from my family. I used maya and turned the situation into the glass being half full and now I carry on being a happy and optimistic person who loves herself and her own life/individuality.