It’s Not Easy by Hector Rivas
“The students were reminded by none other than Kermit the Frog that ‘It’s not easy being green.’ They were then asked to consider what about their lives is ‘not easy.’ The students’ essays on this topic were excellent. Here is an example.” Don Riesett, Writing Mentor & Teacher
It’s not easy being the oldest brother in a household where the parents only speak Spanish. Whenever someone needs something translated, I have to try my best. When my brother’s dad needs help at the Toyota dealership I have to go. Even though I hate arguing, sometimes I have to translate his comments in a nicer way. When my mom is in a drive through, I have to be the one who orders. There have been countless times where I have ordered my mom the wrong thing.
Only time I have liked being a translator for my mom was when I was in middle school. I feel bad now but I used to tell her I was doing ok in school and she would just believe me. I promise that I have changed my ways and I will only tell her the truth.
I have talked about the translating part but now I will tell you how it’s not easy being the older brother. Some of you might have seen them walk into the building once in a while. Jeremiah, who is four years old, comes into the building and always takes a bag of chips. He may seem kind and adorable, but he is the complete opposite at home. He will kick and smack you if you don’t give him what he wants. Any time we walk into a Walmart, he knows where the toy car section is. My mom always has to spend at least five dollars buying him cars to keep him happy. If he is ever too quiet, then you know he is up to something bad. One time I left my bedroom door open and he walked in. He found a Sharpie laying around and decided to use it to draw on my TV. I didn’t notice until a couple hours later when I wanted to watch something. I turned the TV on and saw big squiggles all over the Screen. I have learned my lesson now and always leave my door closed.
Matthew is around 11 years old and he has a serious fortnite addiction. He kept saying he was going to win money from the Fortnite tournaments. Thankfully, it seems like that phase is over and he has not been playing as much since school started. Now the only issue is that he has trouble with getting his homework done. Yesterday I realized how bad I am at actually helping someone with their work. I kept trying to show him where the answer was but I got so frustrated and told him that I will just do the whole page for him. There are definitely some places where I can be better and I will try to improve on it.
Hector Rivas
9/27/24