Level 7

This Fall, students in the ESOL Reading 7 class at PCC Sylvania read a novel called The Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. Here are the students’ reflections on parts of the book: 

Mma Ramotse’s dad is a hard-working man. He worked in the mines in Johannesburg for about 15 years. It was a very tough working situation. When I was little, my dad and mum lived with me in a suburb near a factory. They were all employed by the factor. My dad also worked very hard. He was very busy and didn’t even have time to stay home. As my mum said, he used to like cooking very much, but he did not have time to cook for himself. And Mma Ramotswe's dad was smart. He somehow managed to be an assistant of a blaster. My dad is also smart. He made a small TV for me as a gift by using some electrical parts from the factory. Mma Ramotse’s dad was very caring to his daughter. He saved money and bought cows. They had a cow that gave good milk, and he kept the cow nearby for his daughter. My dad also cared about me. I remember that at that time, ice cream and chocolate were very rare in China. My dad found the only restaurant in our city that had ice cream with chocolate syrup on it. One weekend he took me to the restaurant secretly without telling my mum because the price was too high at that time. He ordered me two scoops of ice cream. It was so delicious, and I really enjoyed it. When my dad looked at me happily eating the ice cream, he was smiling. I felt so deeply loved by my dad. 

Written by: Jennifer Kong

People often say that part of your personality is shaped by the person who is close to you and takes care of you the most. Like Mma Ramotse, I have also been deeply influenced by my family and childhood experiences. In chapter 3, after Mma Ramotswe’s mother passed away, her family was left with just her and her father. However, because her father worked in the mines and had to be away from home often, he left her in the care of his sister. Her aunt was a strong woman, as shown by her willingness to take full responsibility for raising Mma Ramotswe. She taught her life skills, like cooking, doing houselchores, and was someone she could rely on. The cousin was also a knowledgeable woman, which shaped Mma Ramotswe to become a detective. I was also raised by my own sister when my parents were very busy with work. She taught me how to be independent and responsible. Still, we have so many differences like I did not go through a difficult marriage like she did, and my experiences were not as difficult as hers. But still, like her, we were both shaped by the person who loved us and taught us lessons. Mma Ramotswe’s story reminds me that our past doesn’t define us, but it does help build the person we become. 

Written by: Minhhoang Nguyen

After reading Chapters 2 and 3, I can make connections between the main character’s life and mine. Some things are similar, but others are quite different. Just like Precious, who learned counting through funny games in her childhood, my mother also made up interesting activities for me. Mma Ramotswe liked counting goats, cattle, and tees, while I counted seashells on the beach and flying seagulls. Obed’s cousin, who looked after Precious, spent a lot of time developing her little niece's memory and logic. My mother also tried to develop my logical thinking. She often gave me puzzles, lego sets, and logic books for children. I always looked forward to getting new ones. As for the differences between Precious’ life and mine, they are quite significant. Mma Ramotswe grew up without her mother, who died in an accident. When Precious became an adult, she chose a despotic man as her husband. She guessed what kind of person he really was, but hoped she could change him. She was very naive and, like any young woman, wanted to be happy. In such moments, daughters need wise advice from their mothers, but PRecious was deprived of that opportunity. She couldn’t share her doubts about marriage or receive her mother’s support. Besides, the main character didn’t have a model as a healthy family. She never saw what a good relationship between spouses should look like. Making connections with my own life, I realize my situation was different because I grew up in a complete family. My mother has always been there for me, supporting me and giving advice during my life. Having a good example of my parents’ relationship, I clearly understood what kind of man I needed. In conclusion, by making connections between the main character’s life and mine, I noticed that the people who raise us have a big impact on our lives, our choices, and our future. Obed ‘s cousin helped Precious develop many great skills, such as logical thinking, intuition, Math skills, and a good memory. All these qualities affected Precious’ choice of career. However, the lack of maternal education, love, support, and an example of a healthy family relationship influenced her unsuccessful experience in her own family life. As for my life, my parents have given me many important and useful values that have become a strong foundation for my adult life. Thanks to them, I have a good education, a loving family, and the desire to move forward no matter what happens in my life. 

Written by: Olena Kogut 

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