“One of Nature’s Masterpieces”

by Alisa W., ESL 8th grader

Upon arriving at Yosemite National Park, in California, my parents and I hiked to the base of Lembert Dome, fixated on the vast view in front of us. When we reached the base of the dome, the setting was extensive and grand, making me feel incredibly small. Standing there, I was surrounded by a variety of trees and wildlife, and Tenaya Lake lay peacefully in front of me, its water full of fish, frogs, ducks, and other aquatic life. Kneeling down and touching the lush, carpet-like grass around me, I felt deeply connected to the Earth’s surface. After enjoying that connection and feeling centered by nature, I started to hike to the top of Lembert Dome with my parents, and as we began our ascent, the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees created a soothing, whisper-like symphony, making my surroundings feel vibrant and alive. As we continued climbing, a fresh, clean scent of evergreen trees filled the air, adding a refreshing feeling to my experience. Just before reaching the top of the dome, I paused to catch my breath, and as I glanced up at the sky, I saw a handful of clouds floating across it that looked like cotton candy. At the top of the dome, I was rewarded with breathtaking views of various natural creations that were new to me. Every rock in every direction was a stunning mix of muted gray, smoky black, sky blue, sunlit yellow, and reddish brown, resembling watercolors merging in a masterpiece. As my eyes continued to wander, I noticed trees clinging to the surface of the rocks, their leaves dancing in the breeze. The view in front of me left me in awe of Lembert Dome and its surroundings and nature’s ability to create them. 

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Alisa is an English as a Second Language (ESL) student in Singapore who was referred to me toward the end of 2020, because she wanted to improve her English writing skills, and whom I have been working with weekly since then. Her recent descriptive piece, “One of Nature’s Masterpieces,” is a testament to the power of consistency when learning how to write.

For the last four years, Alisa has been a dedicated writing student, taking spelling, grammar, editing, vocabulary, and/or writing classes year-round, and it has been truly rewarding for me to watch the evolution of her writing skills during that time.

Learning how to write, just like learning how to play a musical instrument, requires taking small steps, one after another, and steady continuity. The work is not easy and requires a great deal of patience, but once the sought-after goal—to write well independently—is reached, the writing student is filled with a sense of confidence and empowerment, and others are left in awe of the student’s writing and his or her ability to create it.

~ Christina Caputo

Founder & Owner of ★ W O R D S