Yesenia Contreras

Discourse Community Response

9/12/15

Yesenia Contreras
Rhetoric and Composition 1301
Discourse Community Response
In todays society identifying yourself as an individual becomes very hesitant due
to societys demands and standards on what you should be. We tend to let the opinion of
others mold us into what we should be other than becoming someone who embraces their
true potential. As we separate ourselves into our own individuality we have different
ways to approach situations in the role we play, the style of communication we decide to
use, our responsibilities, and overall involvement. We are able to show who we are in the
way we view things and make a difference in our environment.
My family and friends environment is a very warm and welcoming comfort zone,
they make you feel at home no matter where you are. In my family, Spanish and English
are mostly spoken but usually switches on and off. When talking to each other its mostly
informal no matter the type of conversation but when talking to elders such as my Nana
and Tata its formal showing you respect to them at all times. We are very close as a unit
and do mostly anything together from planning trips to the store to where we are going to
have Christmas. We are very supportive in anything but like all families we tend to bump
heads and disagree with opinions. We all know its not an obligation to surround
ourselves with each other but we choose to due to the fact that we all play a huge part in
each others lives. For instance when we have birthdays or Thanksgiving and one of our
relatives are unable to go its as if a part of us is missing and it doesnt feel the same.
Tradition also plays a huge role in our connection as one; it helps us understand each
other on another level other than just being blood related. Being apart of my family isnt a

hassle or a burden when it comes to always being with them on weekends or holidays; I
view it as making memories and I am very blessed and grateful to have the family I do
have.
Education is a very important aspect in my life. I see it as a privilege to have the
opportunity to expand my knowledge and be successful with it. Coming to UTEP I had to
have a certain GPA standard and my SAT test in order to be considered as an applicant.
After being accepted I needed to go through the process of having my TSI done and
vaccination shots. With applying as an out of state student I had to open my options for
financial-aid and scholarship fund to help me become a Miner. It was a blessing to have
been given a scholarship to come here.
Coming to a university where it is highly ranked in the country I understood that
it was always going to be a professional environment. But as always Ive respected my
teachers and the faculty with formal communication no matter the relationship, I know
overtime I can become comfortable with them but to always keep the level of respect.
Transitioning from a high school student to a student athlete at a D1 university Ive
anticipated that the level of academic honesty and writing format was going to be held at
a higher standard with my education such as having a certain page number, using MLA,
APA, and Chicago format. Also, the time that was expected to be dedicated was
understood the moment I decided to become a college student. I know my education must
come before my sport even if it demands my weekends and free time.
Soccer played a huge part on why I came to UTEP and deciding to become a
Miner. In playing my role I had to email the coaches here at UTEP and show them why I
could be a future prospect to their athletic program. I came on an official visit to show my

investment in their program and the willingness of wanting to become a UTEP miner.
Over the years of playing competitive soccer Ive aspired to play college soccer and
being able to reach that goal was monumental. With coaches it always has been a formal
communication because they were always showing a new view on how to play the sport I
love. With teammates its more laid back and informal due to the friendships developed
over time and in some cases considered as family. My responsibility as a student athlete
has always been demanding with time but I knew what I signed up for when becoming a
D1 athlete. I now have to understand the commitment soccer has on you not only
physically but also mentally. Being apart of this team may take up 99% of my time
during the week and weekends but I enjoy every second of it.
Traveling can mean many things, you travel to see the world, to go to a
wedding or to go visit family but in my case traveling is being able to make difference no
matter the environment you place yourself in. The role I see is finding out where you can
go to help make a difference, to find a community and culture that you can add purpose
to. The style of communication mostly would be informal but in some cases formal
language is used. I feel the sense of communication would be laid back in wanting to give
a helping hand so you are welcoming. The responsibility held accountable for is that you
are there for a reason so find a purpose that can make a change for those who are less
fortunate; for example, the Amigos De Las Americas program. The involvement here is
the amount you are willing to sacrifice and the dedication you want to put in.
Viewing things and acting upon situations the way I like to allows me to
identify myself as an individual and shows that I am different, that I add my own
individuality to society whether its with family and friends, my education, soccer, and

traveling. I believe everyone has their own potential but it depends on how much they let
society impact the way they express themselves. Everyone has their own purpose and
uniqueness but it is up to them in the way they communicate it.