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The strongest connection I have with China, my native land, is through my parents. I have seen the pain of leaving their beloved land upon which their memories are deeply rooted. I have seen their struggles to learn the English language and to survive in America. But I have also been witness to their joys of accomplishment. We bring our culture with us and share it. Truly, it has been a bittersweet journey.
Lili Shek, age 18
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After the revolution, my parents left Iran because they could not practice their Bahá'í faith. I'm sixteen years old and my parents are still really protective. They live in a country that is strange to them. I have an 11:30 curfew, and I can't stay overnight at anyone's house. Now after the terrible events at the World Trade Center, I'm worried that we are going to have a war. I'm also afraid that all Arab people will be suspected of terrorism.
Sohale Mehrmanesh, age 16
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My mother and father both left El Salvador because of the war. My parents met in America and got married. I am glad I live in America because El Salvador is a very poor country and it's almost impossible to find a well paying job. When we visit San Salvador, we cannot go out at night because of the organized gangs. At night, you can hear gunshots. My family is happy and proud to live in America, the land of the free.
Maritza Ortiz, age 13
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In my country, it was always war. I saw people dying. I saw peole without arms, eyes, hands — without heads. I was scared. My country, Kosovo, is not a strong country. We finally got away, but I was upset. I left my family in my country. I left my stuff. We went to Macedonia to a [refugee] camp, then to Fort Dix in New Jersey, then Arizona. We went back to Kosovo, but there were no jobs and no money. There were not even roads. We left again for California.
Arsim Mustafa, age 14
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We came to America so my brother and I could get a good education. In the Dominican Republic, schools are very expensive. in fact, everything is expensive even though the economy is very bad. My family visits our relatives in the DR often, and I'm very proud of my heritage. The people are friendly and it's part of our tradition to help the poor. I try very hard to be concerned about people who have problems.
Natiorka Perez, age 16
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If your question is, why in the heck do Mexicans and other Latinos come to live in our country? The answer is simple. Change! In most Latin American countries, there are no benefits and you cannot receive a good and stable salary. There are many jobs here in Wyoming. Almost everyone works two or three jobs. My mother is a housekeeper and a waitress. I think Americans should try to better understand immigrants. Communities could try to share their traditions, culture, and life with us.
Irving Bernel, age 13
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It has been a challenge to balance and assimilate into my American culture while maintaining my Indian roots and background. I'm a typical teenage girl who loves to go to the mall with friends; however, I have a remarkable opportunity to be involved in a traditional Indian lifestyle. Our place of worship, the Sri Venkateswara Temple, is an important part of my spiritual life. I particularly love the Indian classical dance called Kuchipudi which often tells the tales of the gods and goddesses in Indian culture.
Nidhi V. Pamidimukkala, age 16
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If I still lived in Cuba, I would probably be in jail, because I feel that it is most important for an artist to have freedom of expression. In Cuba, the government encourages artists to only paint pro-revolutionary subjects or portraits of Fidel Castro. Any subject that questions the government could be dangerous for the artist, family, and even friends. Here I can paint anything I choose. Recently, the subject of my paintings has been war and its affect on people's spirit and being. I want to investigate important subjects.
Marcial Ramos, age 16
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My mother has her own business - an African braiding shop. I come here to help after school. It's so hard to move to a new country. I really miss my freinds and Guinea's warm weather. I miss not being able to speak French, and most of all, I miss my grandma. What surprised me about this country is that in the city where I live there are so many homeless people. How could this happen in America?
Mawa Fofana, age 17
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Most of my life I have lived in America. But I stil feel I'm Japanese. I love Japanese culture, and I'll probably go back there to live someday. It's been lucky for me that I've been able to study music in America. In Japan the emphasis is on technique, and you can never make a mistake. In this country, you are encouraged to be yourself. It makes music more enjoyable. I have two tubas, and their names are Nadia and Gina. They will have to be my girlfriends for a while - until I have time for the real thing.
Koki Ohmura, age 16
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My family left Guatemala four years ago. We now live in a neighborhood that's all Spanish, but it is still very different than home. In my town, people spend a lot of time outside. Here it's very quiet, and you don't get to know many people. My grandfather was a farmer, but I want to be an auto mechanic. I don't think it should be so hard to get your papers here. It can take up to ten years which really causes a lot of problems.
Otto Cayay, age 18
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In Cambodia, students do not study, because even if you have a higher education you do not make good money. The government does not pay the people well. Also the justice system is not working. People rob each other, and there are many kidnappings. You have to pay a lot of money to get your child back. We came here to find a safe place. Our life in America is very different. We already have a grocery store.
Chealen, Lilin, and Peoumalika Tav
ages 18, 17, 14