EPIGRAM Volume 13 Issue 1 - Publication of UPRP

Epigram

Publication of the English Department, University of Puerto Rico at Ponce

From the Office of the Chair

Greetings!

Our Epigram

It is with great happiness that we share with you our newest edition of EPIGRAM. As we approach the end of this semester, it is important to focus on our students' achievements and talents. Our students are the protagonists of this great project called EPIGRAM, and we feel honored to have the opportunity to showcase their creations. I hope that more students will be inspired to participate in the next editions to demonstrate their talents, skills, and knowledge.

As the new and interim chairperson of the English Department, I want to acknowledge Dr. Pier LeCompte for her dedication and commitment to EPIGRAM since 2012. Thanks to all faculty members for their continued support and contributions. It is a true honor to lead the English Department!

Sincerely,

Dr. Jennifer Alicea Chairperson of the English Department

In our Epigram, we showcase examples of good writing. You are capable of producing Epigram-worthy material.

Here are some tips to continually improve your writing:

Read as often as you can.

Write with your reader in mind. Show, don't tell.

Break your text down with lists whenever possible.

Combine logic with emotion.

Track your verbs.

Work on your writing crutches (that is, overused words or mistakes you repeat).

Practice your creativity

- - - Professor Pier Angeli

LeCompte, PhD

Present Perfect P O E M S and R E F L E C T I O N

Students of Dr. Pier Angeli Le Compte and Dr. Lourdes Ortiz, Basic ENGLISH 3102

“It’s

Worth Dreaming”

I have believed in his promises. He has disappointed her. I haven’t found my true love yet. Has he ever loved her?

I have dreamed of a world full of art. I haven’t found what I long for. I have drawn incessantly. Have you really been there for her?

I have failed many times. I have overcome many obstacles. He has fought for his dreams. Has he ever fought for her?

By: Thalia M. Muñiz Carbonell

What I have learned about true friendship…

Death or Life?

I have hugged the bright sun with my skin. I have felt the red blood in my bloody lips. I have danced for hours in flower fields.

I have driven so fast until my heart has given up. Is it death or is it life?

I have touched the ocean breeze with my face. I have seen heaven in the border of a cliff.

I have asked a shooting star for a wish. I have heard angels in the bottom of the sea. Is it death or is it life?

I have felt the white moon in my head. I have cut the white flesh of my face. I have read a thousand books full of life.

I have tasted the love in a knife. Is it death or is it life?

Death or life is something humans haven’t figured out yet.

What’s life about?

What’s death about?

Death or life?

By: Kyam Otero Colón

I have learned that friendship is truly important and significant in my life. I have realized that true friendship is about unconditional company, and that when someone truly loves you, there are no excuses. I have understood that true friends can be as important as family itself because family is not always blood. Many times, it is where you feel loved, cherished, special and where you can be yourself. I have learned that true friendship is not about being present all the time. Rather, it is about being present when you need it. With my best friends, I have found a safe place, a refuge where I can be happy. With them I have felt a real, sincere, unconditional love. I have understood that in a true friendship, not everything is always good. There are arguments, fights, and misunderstandings, but with love and comprehension, everything can be solved. I have comprehended that true friendships are not just photos with friends together and hours of laughter. There are also tears, advice and silence. With my best friends, I have grasped that it is not about time or words, but about actions. I have felt that in them I have happiness, peace, and wellbeing. In brief, I have learned that without a true friendship, life is somewhat boring!

By: Angel Omar La Torre Medina

POEMS

Basic English 3102 Dr. Pier Angeli Le Compte

An Encounter

As expected, During the morning, Toward lunch hour, Upon entering the cafeteria, Before knowing it.

Among the people, standing. Despite avoiding him, Beside me as a quick shadow, Underneath my forced smile, Past my feelings, With my uncomfortable self.

By: Steysha N. Sierra Nieves

"For a Great Day, Go to San Juan"

Under the warmth of a golden sun, Through vibrant streets where colors run,

Past cafes where the day's begun, Between the beats of salsa, fun, Along the shore with sand so fine, Above the waves, the seagulls dine, Through El Morro’s ancient line, Amongst the gardens, scents entwine, Beside the locals' cheerful banter, In San Juan, let your heart anchor.

By: Alondra N. Ortiz Guzmán

A Great Day

Beside best friends and good people, Within joy and delight, Across your favorite place.

Underneath the moon, Above big stars, Near the blue ocean, Against problems and worries.

Through adventures and new memories, Around love and affection, Among blessings, In the best days of your life.

By: Crystal Cintrón Rosario

Nature

In the quiet of the night with myself, On the our moonlit river, For nature along beauty in itself, Over everyone’s touched hearts, Within the music of nature and by ourselves,

From vast mountains to birds and others, Beside each creature, true to themselves, Toward a hopeful future for everyone.

By: Bryanna Betancourt

Conjunctions and Songs

By: Dr. Pier Angeli Le Compte Zambrana

This semester in Basic English 3102 classes, students have been practicing how to join sentences and clauses to create more complex sentences that include more details. One of the ways in which students can join clauses into longer sentences is using subordination conjunctions. In English, there are many subordinating conjunctions. Let us take a look at the most common ones, along with a few examples from some classic songs in a list of subordinating conjunctions:

After“Your heart will break like mine, and you’ll want only me after you’ve gone” (Ella Fitzgerald)

Although“Although I’ve been here before, he’s just too hard to ignore” (Amy Winehouse); “Although my heart is falling too, I’m in love with your body” (Ed Sheeran)

As“As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I take a look at my life and realize there’s nothing left” (Coolio)

As long as“I don’t care who you are, where you’re from or what you did as long as you love me” (Backstreet Boys)

Because“I’m everything I am because you loved me” (Celine Dion)

Before“Just call me angel of the morning, angel. Just touch my cheek before you leave me, baby” (Juice Newton)

Even if“Even if the sky is falling down, you’ll be my only” (Jay Sean); “Even if you don’t, my hope is you alone” (Mercy Me)

If“If you leave me now, you’ll take away the biggest part of me” (Chicago)

Once“Once in a blue moon, something good comes along.” (Van Morrison)

Now that“Baby, now that I’ve found you, I won’t let you go” (Tony Macaulay/John MacLeod)

Since“I guess I’ll never be the same since I fell for you” (B.B. King); “Since you’ve been gone, I can breathe for the first time” (Kelly Clarkson)

Though“Walk on through the rain though your dreams be tossed and blown” (Rodgers and Hammerstein); "Now the day bleeds into nightfall, and you're not here, though I feel your touch." (Lewis Capaldi)

Unless“We’re never going to survive unless we get a little crazy” (Seal)

Until“I’ll keep on dreaming until my dreams come true.” (Charlie Louvin); “Roll you like you were dice until you come up blue; She's got Bette Davis eyes” (Kim Carnes)

When“When I see you smile, I can face the world” (Bad English); “Only know you love her when you let her go” (Passenger)

Where“There’s a light burning bright, showing me the way, but I know where I’ve been” (Scott Wittman)

While“I look at the world, and I notice it’s turning while my guitar gently weeps” (The Beatles)

Notice that when a dependent clause precedes an independent clause, there is a comma between the two, indicating the beginning of the independent clause. However, when the independent clause comes first, there is usually no need to separate the two clauses with a comma.

Can you find more examples?

Adapted from: https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/conj-subord

BRAINTEASERS

Rebus puzzles, also known as word picture puzzles or picture riddles, are all the rage now on Tik Tok. They use a combination of images and words to convey a phrase or message, typically a common idiom or expression. These visual puzzles can be pretty tricky. To help you solve these tough brainteasers, make sure to look at word placement, size, color and quantity. Take your time and don’t give up!

a

Adapted from ESLVAULT.com by Dr. Le Compte

Once

Answers: 1. For once in my life (four ones in my life); 2. Forget it; 3.Try to understand; 4.Travel overseas or overseas el;trav 5. Breakfast; 6.

Downtown; 7. Eyeshadow; 8. Stepfather; 9.

upon

time; 10. Potatoes (pot 8 O’s); 11. 3D movie; 12. Top secret

Health Campaign Infographics

Students of Dr. Michelle Méndez, ENGLISH 3191

As part of the INGL 3191 course, students perform research about diseases or syndromes which affect the population. Many of these are fairly unknown; therefore, students create and awareness campaign to keep the community informed. During this Health Campaign, students discuss the disease they selected, treatments, myths and misconceptions, among other relevant information.

Infographics

Students of Dr. Michelle Méndez, ENGLISH 3191

Infographics

Students of Dr. Michelle Méndez, ENGLISH 3191

Infographics

Students of Dr. Michelle Méndez, ENGLISH 3191

Infographics

Students of Dr. Michelle Méndez, ENGLISH 3191

Infographics

Students of Dr. Michelle Méndez, ENGLISH 3191

I'm Shy Come Say Hi project

By 3102 Basic English Students of Dr. Lourdes Ortiz Soto

This project was done at the beginning of the semester as a getting acquainted activity. Students used their creativity to design a colorful and unique t-shirt that would showcase their authentic self. The categories that students selected were qualities and attributes, talents, favorite music or singers, motivations, limitations, strengths , fears and two goals that they aspire to accomplish by June 2024. After students uploaded their t-shirts in Moodle, peers posted inspiring remarks and even identified common things they share. In all, this was a fun way for students to exhibit both artistic and writing skills.

Hi! My name is Ariadna, but my close family calls me Ari. I'm someone who thrives on creativity and values friendly connections. I really find myself being very creative because I like everything that has to do with art or just making something look pretty. Adele's tunes are my go-to, always making my day better. Surprisingly, I have this fear of the dark that I don’t know where it came from, so I hate when the power goes out. In my downtime, you'll likely find me reading in my own world of books or doing my own nails. I started reading in June of last year just because I thought a book I saw on TikTok sounded good and from thereon I can’t stop reading. My passion of doing nails comes from quarantine when my mom bought me my first four nail polishes and UV lamp. One limitation that has always been with me since I was a kid was to compare my achievements with others. Consequently, I stopped being happy for my own achievements. Looking ahead, my drive comes from the goal of being the first in my family to obtain a PhD. By June, I aspire to travel and to have a greater sense of responsibility in my personal and academic life.

Ariadna Villanueva Santiago

Hello. My name is Jahila, and my family calls me “my lemon”. It is a nickname that is not heard much since I am a serious, sincere and a little bitter person. Although I am quite humble, I like to enjoy quality things. In my daily life, I usually do my things while listening to Kany García; I feel like I concentrate more. She is one of my favorite artists. However, I also usually listen to any type of music. One of my hobbies is going to the gym although I don't go consecutively; Sometimes, I do it to clear my thoughts. Likewise, I am a patient person, but I have my moments of despair. One of my limitations is my own mind with phrases like 'I can't'. For that reason, one of my achievements for 2024 is to put aside those thoughts and make better decisions in my life. Another of my goals is to learn English. Finally, one of my biggest fears is giving up and not being able to achieve my goals.

Jahila Torres Aponte

I'mShyComeSayHiproject

By: Students of 3102 Basic English of Dr. Lourdes Ortiz Soto

Hello, my name is Berlyann, and since I was very little my family calls me Tati. Now that I’ve grown up, my closest friends call me Tati. I am a socially selective person; therefore, I’m very shy which makes me feel embarrassed. As a result, this is one of my limitations. I am the mom friend which leads me to be empathetic in situations that my friends face, so I am always honest and transparent with them which is a strength and at the same time a weakness. Thanks to that, I am a very sensitive person. In this new year 2024, I want to get over those things that I don't talk about and that torment me. My personality type is INFP, which explains the relationship between the words that describe me. One of my greatest passions is music, for it’s my safe place. When it comes to listening to music, you can say that I am very versatile. I like to listen to a little bit of everything and connect with the world. I like to listen to everything from prophetic culture to K Pop which is actually my favorite genre. A curious fact about me is that I know how to sing, but I don't put it into practice very much. I am a “boybandgirl” and that is why one of my hobbies is collecting albums. I also discovered last year that I like to read, so this year I would like to be able to acquire more books.

Berlyann Rivera Torres

My name is Patricia Samary, and I consider myself loyal to anyone who earns it and sometimes too honest. Since I was 8 years old, I’ve been playing volleyball, and my mom is my biggest support. Even though I quit months ago, I’m trying to start to play again. Music is my therapy whenever I need to disconnect for a little while. I listen to Rauw Alejandro or any other artist but usually it is him for the energy that he has. Also, in bad moments, I drive to the nearest beach just to watch the sunset because somehow it gives me peace. I grew up a little too fast and my friends know it, so regularly they come to me for advice. To be honest, I’m a good adviser, but sometimes I don’t take my own advice. One thing I want to change is being sleepy. Anytime I can I take a nap and that’s always not good. I’m excited for this new year 2024 which I hope to be well and have a better job, but my mind is something that limits me. My goal is to keep working on it.

Patricia Martínez Almodóvar

I'mShyComeSayHiproject

By: Students of 3102 Basic English of Dr. Lourdes Ortiz Soto

My name is Kendrich Natal, and I am from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, I consider myself a responsable, friendly, and humble person. One of my favorite artists at this moment is Gabriel EMC. I like listening to his music because he alternates between rap and reggaeton, but his music is not about bad stuff, it’s Christian music. My favorite sport is Taekwondo. I am a black belt, and I enjoy playing videogames in my free time. The biggest fear I have is being alone because having no one, not even a friend to talk to, is something that I don’t want to experience. One limitation that I have is managing my time. I don’t know how to do it correctly, and I want to do a lot of stuff at the same time. I have two goals that I want to reach. These are to do 200 pushups and to pass all my classes.

Kendrich Natal

My name is Angel Rodríguez. I’m an honest and respectful person. I’m a baseball player and play for our UPR team. Although baseball is a social sport, I’m really shy and don’t talk much like my fellow teammates. My favorite singer is NF, and my favorite song is Clouds. Another talent I have is cooking. Since I was little, I liked to cook and learn new things about it. My main motivation is my goals, but more importantly I want to be the better version of myself every day. Even the smallest step I make is an important one and that keeps me motivated to be better. I don’t have a fear that affects me, but if I had to say one it would be that I don’t like to be in a tight space. Some goals I have before June are getting better at baseball, learning something new everyday, and training my body more.

Having remarkable qualities set me apart, and versatility showcases my talents. While my mind-state may sometimes pose limitations, my parents serve as a constant motivation, propelling me to move forward. Engaging in athletics demonstrates my commitment to staying active and competitive in sports. The fear of failure seems to be a driving force, pushing me to overcome challenges with resilience. My goals include achieving good grades and doing good summer clinic. This reflects my dedication to both academic excellence and professional success.

Vianca Moctezuma Vicente

Angel Rodríguez

I'mShyComeSayHiproject

By: Students of 3102 Basic English of Dr. Lourdes Ortiz Soto

Hi! My name is Ariadna Ramírez, but people call me Ari. Today, I will introduce myself to you. I am 19 years old, and I consider myself a happy and very responsible person. But I have many fears in my life, and some of the most important are the fear of reptiles and the fear of speaking in public, even more so if it is in English. But it's not all fear, I really like to visit new places (like the beach) and even more to discover new food places with my family. In short, I am a person who loves going out with my family and having fun. I definitely prefer to go out with them than with friends. And last but not least, as goals for June of this year, I hope to pass the semester with excellent grades and also get a job.

Ariadna Ramírez Mercado

My name is Mikkel García Velázquez. I am 19 years old, and I am in my second year of university where I study Athletic Therapy. Some of my qualities and attributes include that I am very empathic, honest and my ability to work hard to achieve my goals. When it comes to music, the genre that I listen to the most to is ballad. I listen the most to Luis Miguel. Since I was little, I have liked sports, especially baseball. I have played this sport since I was 5 years old, but recently I started to like soccer, so it became my favorite sport. My strength is to work in teams. Additionally, I have the ability to adapt to different learning styles and collaborate effectively with my classmates on group projects, while my weakness is my problem to organize myself. My biggest fear is heights. By June 2024, the goals that I want to accomplish are to pass all the courses with a minimum of B and to be able to travel to see new places.

My name is Emelix M. Espada Burgos. I consider myself an empathetic but above all honest person. Something notable about me is my short height, something inherited. I really like reading, so it is my favorite hobby. I have done it constantly since I was 14 years old. Also, since I like to exercise, I go to the gym. My favorite singer is Eladio Carrion. This leads me to the fact that I really like Trap. My biggest phobia is spiders, no matter the size. Finally, my goals for 2024 are to understand English more and to be a more consistent person.

Emelix M. Espada Burgos

Mikkel García Velázquez

The Funnies HA

HA!

We need these t-shirts!

EPIGRAM

Language Bloopers, Blunders, Mistakes, Slip-ups, Mix-ups, Errors, and Gaffes

This is the section in EPIGRAM where we share with you common mistakes sometimes funny, sometimes embarrassing, and many times unforgivable -that people make while trying to communicate in English.

Here is an example of a misunderstanding. Doing the wrong thing in class must hurt; especially after devoting time and effort to complete a task. Please clarify instructions if you are unsure what you are supposed to do. Your professors are used to repeating instructions many times. Just ask, but if you are still in doubt, consult the syllabus!

Contact

Address:

University of Puerto Rico at Ponce English Department P.O. Box 7186 Ponce , PR 00732

Phone: (787) 844-8181 Extension: 2325

Webpage: www.uprp.edu Editors:

Please send us your comments and recommendations.

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