Author: Lisa

IRJE #3 – Blue Sisters

In Coco Mellors’ Blue Sisters, the story follows four sisters whose lives are deeply intertwined, even as they navigate their own challenges and struggles. The book begins with a powerful quotation on the nature of sisterhood:

A sister is not a friend. Who can explain the urge to take a relationship as primal and complex as a sibling and reduce it to something as replaceable, as banal as a friend? Yet this status is used again and again to connote the highest intimacy. My mother is my best friend. My husband is my best friend. No. True sisterhood, the kind where you grew fingernails in the same womb, were pushed screaming through identical birth canals, is not the same as friendship. You don’t choose each other, and there’s no furtive period of getting to know the other. You’re part of each other, right from the start. Look at an umbilical cord—tough, sinuous, unlovely, yet essential—and compare it to a friendship bracelet of brightly woven thread. That is the difference between a sister and a friend. (p. 3)

This opening resonated with me profoundly, especially in moments like these, when I truly miss my oldest brother. It made me realize how essential he is in my life. How he’s not just a sibling but a part of who I am. Unlike friendships or romantic relationships, which are formed by choice, the bond between siblings is something you’re born into. You don’t get to pick your sibling, but despite, or maybe because of this, the connection feels deeper and more enduring. Even though the book focuses on the relationship between sisters, its reflection on the unique, unchosen connection of siblings perfectly aligns with me. My brother is irreplaceable and will grow with me, and has seen me grow my whole life. Reading this book has allowed me to reflect on the importance of siblings and how much they shape us, no matter where life takes us.

PW #3 – Take Me to Switzerland, Already.

As my time in Victoria comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of gratitude in my life. Through meditation, I’ve learned to appreciate the people and experiences that have changed me, and one of the things I’m most grateful for is the friendships I’ve made, especially with people from all over the world.

One friendship that stands out is with Emma, a kind and sweet girl from Switzerland. It’s incredible how quickly we bonded, and I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but it feels almost as though we’ve known each other forever. We’ve talked about recent vacations we have had, and to me, it’s funny to think how, some years, my winter breaks spent skiing in the U.S. started to feel repetitive and forgettable. But now, thanks to Emma, things might change. She lives in Switzerland, and we’ve already talked about visiting each other, which excites me beyond words. She has shown me photos of Zurich and Zermatt, which are breathtaking, and I can’t wait to ski with her there.

It’s truly amazing how new friendships can make me look at travel and holidays completely differently. I now fantasize about future trips and visiting all my friends from around the world. As my time in Canada ends, I feel deeply thankful for the people I’ve met. These friendships, long-distance or not, will always be a part of me, and they’ve made my time here unforgettable. Though I’ll miss this place, I’m excited about the new memories and adventures.

IRJE #1 The Secret History

In Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History,” a group of college students at a prestigious Vermont college become captivated by the allure and aesthetic of Greek philosophy with the guidance of their professor. Drawn to ancient ideals of beauty, intelligence, and the pursuit of superiority, these students form an exclusive circle that isolates them from everyone. The narrator reflects on beauty’s intense and terrifying pull, delivering a quote that I found incredibly beautiful and perfectly captures the book’s unsettling appeal:

“Beauty is terror. Whatever we call beautiful, we quiver before it. And what could be more terrifying and beautiful, to souls like the Greeks or our own, than to lose control completely? To throw off the chains of being for an instant, to shatter the accident of our mortal selves?” (p. 45)

I am fascinated by how well this quote captures the danger of pursuing ideals to the point of obsession, demonstrating how beauty is not just an aesthetic but something powerful that can become destructive and can make people cross moral and legal boundaries in search of something perfect or divine, which is exactly what happens in the book.

PW #2 – To My Parents

As I experience life living in Canada away from home, I find myself more grateful than ever for the support of my parents. Every day, they check on me to see how I’m doing, reminding me that I’m never truly alone, no matter the distance. The daily FaceTime calls with my dad have become something I treasure deeply. He’s truly my best friend. We spend hours talking about everything, laughing about anything, and having long talks that help me and motivate me in so many ways.

It’s deeply comforting and sweet to know that if I ever feel sad, my parents are the first people I can always reach out to. No matter what I’m going through, they’re there for me. I believe that this experience has made our communication even stronger. We talk more openly now, and I feel even closer to them despite the physical distance.

Being here is about making the most of this experience, not just for myself but for them as well. I know that my happiness is their happiness. I want them to see that I’m thriving and enjoying every moment so they never have to worry. They’ve done so much for me, and I want them to feel the love and appreciation they deserve. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help, advice, and love.

To my mom, who always makes countless sacrifices for my well-being, and to my dad, who never fails to make me feel cherished. Thank you. I love you more than words can express.

Personal Reflection on the WWI Readings

The readings from “All Quiet on the Western Front” and the WWI prose excerpts by Herbert, Chevallier, Barthas, and West offer an unsettling portrayal of the soldiers’ living conditions in the trenches. Reading about the soldiers’ desperate desire to escape their suffering, shown in Chevallier’s novel excerpt, Fear: “Death would be preferable to this degrading torment… Yes, if this must continue much longer, I would rather die,” or the thought that just in a few moments some men will be ripped apart, and become objects of horror or indifference was extremely painful and disturbing. The images of men rotting in filth, worse than animals, were also deeply unsettling.

One excerpt that left me completely astonished was the scene where a soldier, feeling a sudden sense of well-being, raises his head above the parapet, only to be instantly struck by a bullet. This moment perfectly encapsulates how brutal and unfair war can be. Even the smallest gestures of life or hope can be crushed immediately.

Personally, the part that had me most heartbroken was a passage from Chevallier’s novel excerpt, where he recounts the thoughts and visions that would flash through his mind “like a lightning bolt.” He writes: “There, in my distant home, my cherished wife, my two babes with blond curls, my white-haired mother and father, kneeling at prayer at this very hour, pouring all their hearts, souls into it, bent in anguish for the absent one… for me. No, I had to escape death as best I could, to get away from this accursed place.” Reading this was incredibly painful because it shows how the love for their families would always linger in the soldiers’ minds. The desire to survive wasn’t just for their own sake but for the sake of those waiting for them back home.

While reading these stories, I tried hard to put myself in the soldiers’ shoes, but the extent of their suffering is impossible to imagine. No pen could ever tell their tale.

PW #1 – Last Days of Summer

The last week of summer brought a wave of nostalgia that wrapped around me every day. I tried to savor every second and spend every moment with my friends, cousins, aunts, and grandparents. There was something so heartwarming about it, as if we all knew the moment was slipping away, but we were determined to make it unforgettable.

The routine was always the same: I would go to the beach with my towel and book in hand, finding the perfect spot to tan. I would lose myself in the pages of whatever book I read, or I would fall asleep and let the hours slip by. It was perfect. Everything. Right down to the last-minute detail. I loved every part of it.

As the days passed, I felt excitement, knowing I’d soon see my friends back home after a month in Italy. I missed them, our routines, and the comfort of them. But that excitement was always mixed with sadness, knowing I’d have to say goodbye to everyone. Saying our goodbyes was the hardest part. Wiping my nonna’s tears made my heart ache in a way I can’t explain. The feeling was always bittersweet. And that’s why I love it. There’s nothing like the simplicity and beauty of summer.

Get to know me

Hello, everyone. My name is Lisa Pomina. I’m sixteen years old and was born in a small city in northern Italy called Savona. However, I’ve lived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the past ten years. Moving to Mexico has allowed me to experience new cultures, and I quickly fell in love with the ocean and the amazing outdoor lifestyle.

I’ve always been passionate about staying active and enjoy playing sports like volleyball and surfing. These activities not only help me stay fit but also allow me to challenge myself and have fun with friends.

In addition to sports, I’m deeply interested in fitness and well-being, and I am always exploring new ways to stay healthy physically and mentally. When I’m not in school or playing sports, you can always find me hiking or practicing yoga.

My favorite hobby has always been traveling. I’ve been exploring the world and discovering different cultures since I was a kid. It has been my dream to visit every country in the world and experience the beauty of the ethereal places that our world offers. I am grateful for every opportunity to explore new destinations and create beautiful memories.

I am genuinely thrilled to live every new experience that Brookes has to offer me.