The First Day at High School: A smile for Karen Amanda

Miguel tells me that this story is a metaphor about the Colombian educa tion system, which he knows well, having been both a student and a teacher here. Dr Bullfrog's physics and chemistry lab - "Kalkulator" and "Numberland" suggest mathematics classes - General Star reminds us of social studies and political science.... And, of course, the "Everlasting Games Park" is "recess" on a grand scale, with all the good and bad interactions between children, freed momentarily from restrictive classroom rules and regulations, able to be themselves for a while.

Many readers may very well enjoy this story for the social and educational metaphors that abound here. There is denitely much interesting food for thought along those lines. For my part, I've been mesmerized reading the story as a flight of fantasy and of creativity. It has made me want to continue reading to see not only what extraordinary image or situation is coming next, but also what the results will be...

My congratulations to Eugenio Miguel! In his story of Karen Amanda, he gives us a work of love, dedication, and incredible creativity.

Laura Pilcher

Former teacher

Colombo Americano, Buga.