The following are voices of

Facing History and Ourselves

students who reflect on what it

means to become American, and

what people should know about the

immigrant experience.

We knew that starting a new life would not

be easy, but our expectations were bigger

than fear.

Giovanna, Santa Monica High School

The decision to come to America is one of

bravery and strength. Being American is not

a stamp or a signature on a piece of paper;

being American is one of the countless

behaviors of the living.

Alexandria, Merlin High School

In 1998, my grandmother sent an

application, so we can emigrate. We waited

nine years and had forgotten about these

documents….May 25, 2007 was like a birth

to a new life for my mom, my sister and me.

Nikita, Santa Monica High School

Without any choice, I was brought to this

country by my parents who wanted to grant

me a better future with real education and

less violence. I thank them for that.

Paulina, Glendale High School

I am dreaming of something I used to have

in my home country. I feel like I left dreams,

chasing dreams.

Rusu, Santa Monica High School

I believe that if the actual citizens of the

United States were to listen to us and hear

all that immigrants have been through and

what we’ve lost and what we’ve suffered

then maybe they’ll understand what it

means for all of us to come to a country

where there’s hope for a better life with

many opportunities.

Yudy, Animo Justice Charter High School

One of the many challenges that I have to

fight through everyday is discrimination and

vibes that I’m not wanted in this country.

Paulina, Glendale High School

We are hard working people, intelligent

and have great ideas that might change

the world and make it better, but instead

we go hiding. It’s like playing hide and go

seek. Now I say we’re gonna stop hiding

and come out to show the world who we

are.

Leonardo, Animo Justice Charter High School

Many kids desire just one chance to make a

difference for their families. It will not be in

vain that I am progressing.

Rafael, Santa Monica High School

My parents told me that everything they are

doing is for me because they want me to get

a good education . . .When I was in middle

school …there was tagging in the restrooms

saying that immigrants were not welcome

here. Some (people) made jokes about

immigrants. I laughed but inside of me I felt

bad because my parents and family are

immigrants and that was as if I was making

fun of them.

Miriam, Animo Justice Charter High School

This country has given me my everyday

meals, safety, famliy, and the right to speak

my mind. It has also given me the

opportunity to reach in becoming a

successful, intellectual woman.

Paulina, Glendale High School

What I would want a non-immigrant to know

about an immigrant? . . .

People are always trying to think bad about

you but when people do that you feel like a

ghost because they make you feel like you

don’t exist….that you’re not important to

anyone.

Alfredo, Animo Justice Charter High School

Becoming American. The verb “to become”

sometimes frightened me.

Will I lose my identity? Will I be a whole new

different person after this year?

I still can’t imagine myself letting go of my Danish

culture. The longer I stay in this country, I recognize

that assimilation is inevitable. . . Sooner or later I

am going to be more American.

Gabriella, Santa Monica High School

For those who were born here, I would like

to tell them that it is very hard to leave all

your friends and loved ones behind, move to

another country and start a new life.

That is why we need to help one another

and make those students feel loved.

Hayarpi, Glendale High School

I have tasted the life of an immigrant and it

isn’t pretty.

A sad good-bye and a broken heart that is

what an immigrant carries along his journey

from his home land to a land of

“opportunities.” Paying three thousand

dollars and more, this is his first debt.

Esther, Animo Justice High School

Voices of Facing History Students

Something that non-immigrants do not

realize yet, is that we are fighters who never

give up on our dreams and goals, even

though the challenges could be fatal.

Immigrants prefer to die trying, rather than

live and never try.

Mayra, Animo Justice Charter High School

Has anyone really defined the word

“American?”

According to dictionary.com the word

American means a citizen of the United

States. . . .I don’t believe that there is a

definite definition because other people

might not be a citizen, but they consider

themselves one because they are dedicated

to America.

Nita, Beverly Hills High School

To be an immigrant in the United States

means to live with injustice and

discrimination. The American law shadows

the immigrant.

Mayra, Animo Justice Charter High School

You can trace anyone’s bloodline back to a

place when their forefathers were crossing

over into a new and strange land…

John, Merlin High School

Hearing other people’s immigrant stories

helps me realize how lucky I am and become

thankful that I didn’t go through what they

have gone through.

Christina, Beverly Hills High School

I don’t want to be an intruder, but an

accepted human being. I come to work for

what I strive for, and make possibilities for

myself; but most importantly, I come to

contribute to this giving country, one that

has given me what another could not.

Paulina, Glendale High School

How can we find peace,

Get rid of all our borders?

But then what do we have for ourselves

Without borders, personal borders

Who are we?

Karelle, Merlin High School