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Time Quote by Junot Diaz

“One night, a couple of weeks before school started--they must have though I was asleep--Nilda started telling Rafa about her plans for the future. I think even she knew what was about to happen. Listening to her imagining herself was about the saddest thing you ever heard. How she wanted to get…” quote by Junot Diaz
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““One night, a couple of weeks before school started--they must have though I was asleep--Nilda started telling Rafa about her plans for the future. I think even she knew what was about to happen. Listening to her imagining herself was about the saddest thing you ever heard. How she wanted to get away from her moms and open up a group home for runaway kids. But this one would be real cool, she said. It would be for normal kids who just got problems. She must have loved him because she went on and on. Plenty of people talk about having a flow, but that night I really heard one, something that was unbroken, that fought itself and worked together all at once. Rafa didn't say nothing. Maybe he had his hands in her hair or maybe he was just like, fuck you. When she finished, he didn't even say wow. I wanted to kill myself with embarrassment. About a half hour later she got up and dressed. She couldn't see me or she would have known that I thought she was beautiful. She stepped into her pants and pulled them up in one motion, sucked in her stomach while she buttoned them. I'll see you later, she said. Yeah, he said.””

Junot Diaz

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz, 2007

A young woman's hopeful vision for helping troubled youth clashes with personal embarrassment and social awkwardness, revealing vulnerability and desire for connection.

In simple terms: A girl dreams of helping kids but feels embarrassed.

Key Takeaway

Embrace vulnerability and pursue meaningful goals despite awkwardness.

Themes

hope vulnerability social anxiety

Mood

hopeful introspective

Type

narrative emotional

When to use this quote

  • community service
  • friendship
  • self‑acceptance

Key Concepts

youth empowerment personal growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you do if you felt self‑conscious?
  • How can you support others while staying authentic?
A Different Perspective

Embarrassment can stall action and honesty.

3.2 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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