Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Smith is a novel that resonates with me through the depiction of resilience and determination shown by the main character. The protagonist, Louise Wolf a Native American high school student explores the conflict of facing the challenges of the struggle against cultural discrimination and the discovery of her own self identity. After her breakup with her boyfriend, who showed disrespect toward her cultural heritage it allows her to be more conscious about her heritage and the basis that exists around her. Louise tries to mitigate and resolve discrimination within her school through the use of the newspaper, and how she has had derogatory things said to her.
“There, I could speak my mind and be understood” (pg.18).
Some years ago I joined a swim team where I experienced mixed feelings. Frankly, I wasn’t the fastest swimmer; in fact, I was probably the slowest one. My slowness became a point of amusement and sarcasm by my teammates. I felt isolated, that I was in the minority the way I was picked down and called names like “slowpoke.” These negative comments crushed my confidence. To make the situation worse my coach would provide positive feedback and personalized guidance that she offered to others, and her advice to me was consistently dismissive, often summed up as, “just do more laps.” This unjust treatment made me feel that I was the minority of this team. This sense of isolation and being part of a minority was a sentiment Louise also experienced in her endeavour for acceptance and justice.
Today as a part time instructor, the experiences I have had with my old swim team intertwine with the themes throughout the novel. Specifically, the resilience and determination of Louise that has influenced my approach to teaching. I strive to establish a positive environment that I ensure everyone receives the same attention, support and respect regardless of one’s swimming style/ skill level. Cynthia Smith has remarkably captured the sense of isolation and being part of a minority group in this novel.
In essence, reflecting on my past experience I try to do my best to make the environment of my swimming classes better than what I have experienced in the past, while Louise strives to minimize the criticism/discrimination in her school, to have others not have to face what she has been through.
Citations
Image 1-https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38564416-hearts-unbroken
Image 2 – https://www.skillcast.com/blog/12-notorious-uk-discrimination-cases
Image 3- https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/cartoon-cage.html?cutout=1&sortBy=relevant
Image 4- https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/breaking-chains-art.html?cutout=1&sortBy=relevant
I truly draw a connection to my experience while reading this poem. I
belong to a minority religion which was once the major belief of the
people around 3000 years ago which lasted at least 2000 years. So I see
and feel myself like the Indigenous person of this land. My 
Individuals should express their identity even if they are or were
oppressed at one point. The message is shown through communication,
through the emotions and experiences expressed by the speaker.
The feeling of colonization and its effects to Indigenous people.
But however at the end of this poem its shows celebration where
individuals recaptures their identity and are eager to share it with
others who are sharing the land. Sharing the experience of the
unlimited land, the Indigenous peoples home is something they enjoy
sharing to everyone.
Picture Citations
https://www.learnreligions.com/faravahar-winged-symbol-of-zoroastrianism-95994
https://brookfieldinstitute.ca/an-indigenous-future-and-present-of-work/