Hooks is saying that speaking up isn’t just about expressing yourself - it’s an act that can heal and create change. For people who’ve been silenced, using their voice is a way to push back and reclaim space. It makes me think about times I’ve spoken up and how it felt empowering, even if it was scary

I chose this quote because it reminded me of how people judge language based on what sounds correct to them and their own rules sometimes> Tan's mom spoke the way that others thought is "broken", but Tan understood her perfectly. I relate to that - when I speak English with an accent or make small grammar mistakes, I worry about it because people would think I am less smart. But Tan shows that language is more about meaning than reflection. It helped me realize that it is okay to not to speak like a native American English Speaker, as long i put meaning in it and keep it real

This Quote made me think about how often I stay quiet because of fear - especily because English is not my fiest language. I hold back in class because I don't want to sound wrong. But Lorde is right: silence does not protect me, it just makes me invisible. "The words I don't have yet" are the ones I am still learning to saywith confidence. I am realizing that speaking up, even if it is not perfect, is better than sit in the darkest corner in the classroom and do not say anything pretending you are not here.