We started our “health and being in shape” unit in Spanish for vocabulary, and immediately I felt on the defensive. I went out of my way to say things like “no me gusta refrescas,” (I don’t like sodas- which is true) and mention that I love fruits and vegetables.

Of course my partner for this unit is an exercise and health nut, so she always talks about sports and running and the like, so I do feel like I have to defend myself more. (Though to be fair to her, she doesn’t come across as judgemental at all) Admittedly, I am a person who despises strenuous exercise, but I still consider myself fairly healthy, and (though it’s really no indicator) I’m sort of an inbetweenie myself, only size 16-18.

But even still, I feel like this unit I have to defend myself constantly. I’ve tried constantly to steer the dialogues towards emotional and mental health as well, saying things like to be healthy I try to be positive and avoid people who are always negative.

I love that class, I really do, and I love the language, but this unit is making me feel like a target is on my back. And I honestly don’t know if any of my classmates are taking aim.