Calvin Martinez

College One
Mrs. Flores

College Reading Reflection

Throughout the semester in College One we were reading The Madonnas of Echo
Park. I wont lie, it was difficult at first. Every chapter, there would be a new character
with a new point of view. Because of this, I kept on getting confused. One of the ways I
coped with this obstacle was to start highlighting all the characters names that were being
introduced throughout. Doing the RRJs really helped because after finishing each, I felt
like I had a better insight of knowing the book or just the chapter, especially after having
to think about those open ended questions. They also helped me to better understand my
reading pattern and how to excel in reading and comprehension. As well as having to
choose three words and define them. In my case, those three words would be words that I
had difficulty understanding. I love expanding y vocabulary. Even if I only remember
some of those words. One of the characters hat stuck with me was Freddy. He would be
remembered by a lot because as we can all relate to it. We all know someone that has
recently got released from jail and the second they are out; they go and do the exact thing
that got them sent in there in the first place. Its like they didnt learn their lesson.
Another character that stuck with me was Efren Mendoza. The reason he stuck with me
after finishing the novel was only because he is a bus driver and I ride the bus mostly
everyday. It gave me a better understanding what a bus driver may think throughout their
shifts. Another character that influenced me to continue my higher education would be
the characters of Manny Sr. and Jr. They gave me a vision, a vision and thought that I

have to do something with my life. Not that I didnt know I had too already but just a
vision or thought of where I dont want to end up in my one life.
I have read a lot since I have started college and I believe I have improved a lot
since then. With that being said, my comprehension and critical thinking skills have also
improved. I have earned to connect readings with each other and as well as connecting
the world around us. The two books we are reading for my English class, The Kite
Runner and The Prose Reader, are both extremely great. Both have stories and
experiences that most people go through in a lifetime. A strategy I have learned to use
while reading is to highlight important characters. I never used to do that, mainly because
I didnt read much, that all changed this semester for the better. As I read a quote in one
of my English 100 readings from Alice Kellys Toughen Up!, ...The most difficult
situations in life involve significant change., and I find this true, but change is good. I
also learned to break down reading in a single day, so that I dont get sleepy. In
conclusions, I hope to read more throughout my college and university experience and
excel in my vocabulary.

As I stated above, my reading skills improved significantly this year. I highlight the
words that I dont understand and as well as new characters.

This book has helped me a lot with my vocabulary skills and was used a lot through my
first semester in college.