Final Essay 

When I Was Puerto Rican​ by Esmerelda Santiago 

 
1. What is the most pressing challenge Esmeralda Santiago describes in her 
autobiography and does she primarily overcome that challenge through intrinsic 
motivation or extrinsic motivation? Use at least two pieces of evidence in each 
body paragraph describing her motivation to overcome a challenge.  
OR  
2. What do Negi ’s internal and external challenges reveal about the main 
protagonist and her culture? Use at least two pieces of evidence in each 
paragraph supporting her intrinsic or extrinsic motivations to overcome her 
challenges. 
 
Planning:  
 
1. List the biggest challenge the author faces:  
 
The biggest challenge the author faces is_________________________. 
 
2. List three ways Santiago copes with this challenge.  
 
3. Next to it write whether Negi’s motivation for overcoming that challenge is 
intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external).  
 
One way the author copes is by____________________(describe her motivation, skill, 
or strength). This is an example of an intrinsic/extrinsic motivation because...  
 
 

2)Another way the author copes is by____________________(describe her motivation, 

skill, or strength). This is an example of an intrinsic/extrinsic motivation because. . . 
 
 

 
 3)A final way the author copes is by____________________(describe her motivation, 
skill, or strength). This is an example of an intrinsic/extrinsic motivation because. . .