| 2009 Celebrate America Essay Contest |
"The American Punch" Monterey Hills Elementary School South Pasadena, California America arrived at the Annual Society of the United Nations and walked in, seeing other countries dancing and chatting. Instead of discussing important topics, their meetings were always just fun and games. America sat down and drank a cup of punch. Then she chatted with Indonesia until Canada asked her to dance, because they were neighbors. While they were dancing, Canada asked, "Why are you so prosperous?" America thought a little and answered, "Between 1880 and 1920, many people immigrated to me, arriving in the millions. In all, there were 25 million people that came." "There is no way that there were 25 million immigrants passed through your borders! It is impossible!" cried China, who had been listening. "Impossible!" "I am like this punch I am drinking, made up of various ingredients. Immigrants from all over the world brought different foods, clothing, and religions. I am proud of the diversity. The exchange of ideas makes everybody more open-minded and accepting. If you walk down one of my busy streets nowadays, you will see many different shops: Chinese, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, all side by side and getting along. "However, the immigrants brought not only their cultures, but their best talents. I am sure you have heard of these people: Albert Einstein, the greatest scientist in the 20th century, Madeleine Albright, a former secretary of state, Martina Navratilova, world class tennis player, David Ho, a world famous AIDS researcher, Yo-Yo Ma, world famous cellist, and Ang Lee, an internationally known movie director. "In the early days, the immigrants worked very hard for very little pay. They had all kinds of jobs, from building the great transcontinental railroad to doing laundry. Most Chinese and Irish built the railroad, the Irish on the east coast and the Chinese building on the west coast. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for my prosperity. "Even today, the immigrants really believed in the American dream, which is that when you work diligently, you become successful. Because of the hard work of the immigrants and this strong belief, many second-generation Americans are successful. Anybody who works industriously can live the American dream. I am very proud of my history of immigration because I now realize that it has made me a prosperous country." Looking around the room, America said, "I bet at least one person from all these countries here is in me, America. People came because they thought that I was a country of hope. One person actually said that in America, everything is possible. I was so happy! I am so glad that immigrants came. Now I have a diversified culture and great talents, and hardworking immigrants contributing to my prosperity." America took a sip of punch. She was done talking. Every country applauded. Soon the music started up again and countries began to have a dancing contest. America danced with Mexico, because they were neighbors, and then when the party was over, Canada walked her home. "Goodnight, Canada." she said. "Goodnight." replied Canada. "The Way to America" 2nd Place Winner St. Gabriel Elementary School San Francisco, California Your older brother holds you in his arms The family is escaping your old home and town under the cover of nightfall. You're forced to leave your memories and comfort. This collapsing place is Germany. You are escaping the Nazis. You are on your way to America. You walk on the sun-parched ground. It is still hot from this day. The only guide of your family's are the stars. Back at the village there is little food, money, and it is full of poverty. You remember passing skeletal children with barely any clothes on, Deep, sad eyes peer up at you with your goat at your side. Now you are walking with your family and your family's cart of possessions. A boat that will take us to our destination awaits us at the shore 25 miles away. You all walk barefoot together in the lonesome desert. You are leaving Africa and on your way to America. This morning you walk into your father and mother's Bedroom to find your father sitting at the bedside of your pale mother lying in bed, hardly breathing. "Darling," he refers to you, "your mother and I have decided we're going to America soon. Mum's not going to be with us for long now. She hasn't had enough nutrients going through her since the beginning of winter." Your brother and sister have died from starvation just like your mother will die. This fall and winter has been the Potato Famine. Not many have survived and you are pretty thin yourself, and so is Pa. Many have died, and alone with your father, you are on your way to America. You're sitting in your desk unpacking your knapsack, Miss Swope walks in and behind her are three girls. One is African American, another Irish, and last is Jewish. The little African girl wears a colorful woven robe and matching side pack with slipper like moccasins. The Irish girl wears a blue, knee-length, plaid dress and brown loafers with a chicken feed sack bag. The Jewish girl wears a dark maroon lace dress down to her knees and a worn leather pack with different brown loafers. "Children, settle down! ... We are lucky to have three new students joining us this year. This is Shavanna, she immigrated from Africa." Miss Swope says referring to the African girl and taking the map down. "And this is Meagan, and she is from Ireland," she says patting Meagan on the shoulder. "Finally this is Rachel and she's from Germany." Miss Swope adds, nodding towards the Jewish girl. At recess you go over to the three girls who are hanging back in the classroom as everyone shoots out to the playground. "Hi," you say, "I was wondering if... well, you'd like to have your snacks with me and play together." They all answer yes with a moments hesitation. You all go get your snacks and go out to talk, eat, and play together.
3rd Place Winner Dingeman Elementary School San Diego, California
I am from a line of scholars,
all coming from a place where we speak the Chinese language and eat rice. A place of cramped alleyways where dragons leap, twirl, and dance in the golden sunlight. My parents immigrated in the hope of fulfilling their studies to achieve their dreams. Our joyful country thrives to keep everyone in a loving peace with each other. In the diverse garden of America everyone welcomes newcomers, no matter what religion, with open arms beaming happily ready to embrace them into our wonderful country. The lovely beauty that surrounds us reflects our wonderful life but still shows the terrifying scars of the past. Imagine America, without our promised ideas of peace, diversity, and hope, In my hopeful country, all people deserve freedom and equal rights. Every beating heart deserves a safe, calm, and peaceful place to rest after rapidly beating from being abused from one painful country to another. Changing the American dream promises that anger, confusion, and total chaos will never come back through the dark shadow of sadness, depression, and pain. My family traveled from a land of beautiful green hills and powerful rivers. Immigrants, hear America's call of freedom and hope to start a new and better life. "Why I'm Glad American is a Nation of Immigrants" Honorable Mention St. Monica Academy Chicago, Illinois
What do I see when I look
At the faces of my grandparents. I see millions of brave immigrants just like them Who came to this beautiful country called America. What do I see when I live among The many cultures in my city. I see the contributions immigrants have made To this beautiful country called America What do I feel when I hear The different languages spoken here I feel that every word Praises this beautiful country called America What do I feel when I taste Many delicious foods from other cultures. I am glad it is now a part Of this great country called America. What would I say about being a part Of the diversity and culture I enjoy each day. I say 'Thank You' to all the immigrants That made this great country called America. "One Heart, One Mind" Honorable Mention Queensbury, New York With tangible reminders such as Ellis Island, the immigrant experience will never be far from our memories... America stirs great emotion in my heart. I love the people in this nation, for they are my family, my brothers and sisters. I am also glad that America is a nation of immigrants, because this country needs and thrives on diversity, Can you imagine looking around you and seeing every one of the same race, religion and socioeconomic background? America also owes much inspiration to its immigrants. Albert Einstein, who originally came from Germany, once said, "Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom." The talents of America's immigrants are quite impressive, from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 38'" governor of the state of California, to sports star Manny Ramirez, a major league baseball player and native of the Dominican Republic who became an American citizen in 2004. Stellar musician Yo-Yo Ma, AIDS researcher David Ho and so many more have contributed their gifts to our country. In reality, America's Founding Fathers all had immigrant roots. I understand the immigrant experience intimately through my background which includes English, Scottish, Welsh, German, Italian, Lebanese and Syrian roots. One of my grandfathers was the son of Lebanese immigrants and the only one among his seven siblings to graduate from college, His mother's first marriage was an arranged one back in Lebanon. She later met my great-grandfather in a Lebanese community in Rhode Island. On my mother's side, my ancestral lineage dates back to Martin Luther's immediate family in Germany and later includes two Mayflower passengers, religious leader Roger Williams, Revolutionary War hero John Parker, Ethan Allen, and unsung heroes--like the pioneers, whom with grit and determination, settled the Old West. I am proud of my family heritage. Today is an important chapter in American history when the son of an immigrant father from Kenya became our new president. Barack Obama is my personal hero who once said, "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." And progress we have made. How very proud I am to say that Barack Obama is the 44th President of my country, the United States of America.... ImmigrantsAll proud to become American citizens, though It was not as easy for some as others to blend into this country. My sisters and my brothers. from Europe, Asia, Africa and far beyond: each one is here. Seeking a better future in this amazing land, entering this country, hoping for change and freedom, with cultural differences they must adapt to. My own great-grandparents, not born on American soil, yet, determined, they started a new life here; each generation strives to succeed. I am glad America is a nation of immigrants, It is with color-blind hearts and minds that our nation's great work will be done. |
