Connections Between My Table

     My table consists of me, Abbey, Madeline, and Juliana. Madeline wrote about redskins, a word that brings a sense of admiration to the people in her language community. Juliana wrote about M-22. a word that reminds her of her hometown. And Abbey wrote about roses, a word that reminds her of her time in Bergamo.
     All four of those words that have a significant impact on our lives -specifically in high school. Madeline used her word, redskins, to show a sense of pride. It showed how much her time in high school has made her proud and loyal to who she is and what she belonged to. Juliana used her word, M 22, as a symbol that people from her community immediately recognize. It showed how the word connected people from different parts of the nation and united them together under one word. Abbey used her word, roses, as a symbol of balance. It showed how the word is a way to bring about change in her community.
    Madeline's word was similar to mine in that both of our words brought a sense of pride in us whenever we heard or spoke about it. To Madeline, redskins meant honor to her and her people. The word made her feel proud of who she was and what it meant to her. Similarly, my word, Insha'Allah, also brings a sense of pride within me because it is something that defines who I am.
     Juliana's word was smiliar to mine in that both of our words connected us to people outside of where we live. Juiliana mentioned how when she went on trips and wore M-22 on shirts or hats, people would start conversations with her of what M-22 meant to them. I feel that my word connected me to those who understood what I would say. People who say Insha'Allah have an understanding of where and why we say it and we feel comfortable enough with each other to talk about it.
     Abbeys word was similar to mine in that both of our words helped us with our time in high school. For Abbey, the word rose meant change. It meant respect and balance. Rose, for her, defined how a woman should be treated. It helped her with her viewpoint of herself and the women around her. Like her, my word helped me in a very low time in my life and anchored me back to reality.
     Despite the differences between the words and communities used, there was a clear understanding that our words helped define who we are and what our values and beliefs are.