English 9A Final Part 3 : Essay

In the United States, important families aren't portrayed in a positive way. Although many will protest and claim that times have drastically changed, most still don't appreciate "foreigners" becoming citizens of a country that is supposed to accept everyone. What people don't see about these immigrants is their undeniable strength and courage, and how they are making a sacrifice for themselves. "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez and "An American Story" by Andrew Lewis delves into the issues that seem to be hidden by society's blind eye. However, these memoirs confront these issues quite differently from one another.

The two immigrant families featured in these memoirs have gone through similar experiences - a common theme. "My mother and father were more annoyed than intimidated by those two or three neighbors who initially to make us feel unwelcome ("keep your brats away from my sidewalk.")" (Rodriguez 160). "They drifted for days until they made it to Malaysia - swimming in at night to avoid patrol boats that had fired at them." (Lewis 153). Although both of the families received backlash, that didn't deter them. The Rodriguezes ignored their neighbors, and the Dinhs made it to Oregon after months spent at a refugee camp in Malaysia and got to the United States.

The speakers of these memoirs have both experienced these hardships but in different ways. The author of "Hunger of Memory", Richard Rodriguez actually grew up in Sacramento, California and he writes about his family's experiences and his own linguistic dilemmas such as being bilingual, and his first encounter with English. He also doesn't see his family as victims, although they did face discrimination. "It never occurred to my parents that they couldn't live wherever they chose. Nor was the Sacramento of the fifties bent on teaching them on a contrary lesson." (Rodriguez 160). Anthony Lewis is a journalist who chooses to write about topics he sees that America struggles with - and immigration is definitely one of those issues. After receiving a letter from Viet Dinh in 1991, that became the basis of this memoir. Viet Dinh sent information about his family, and how they were succeeding in academics and industries after reuniting for 15 years in Oregon. "There is more to tell about the Dinh family, as I learned as I interviewed Viet." (Lewis 154).

Both of those memoirs tell similar stories, but the authors portray them in opposite ways. However, there is one more element that ties these nonfiction works together : style. There is a narrative tone that draws in readers and makes it more appealing. Often during reading these works, it can feel like a fictional story, especially "Hunger of Memory". "In the early days of my boyhood, my parents coped very well in America." (Rodriguez 160). This opening is reminiscent of a novel. This applies to "An American Story" as well. "Fifteen years ago this Thanksgiving weekend, a ten-year-old Vietnamese boy named Viet Dinh arrived in this country as a refugee." (Lewis 153). However, a contrast is that "An American Story" is an article meant to make a point in politics, while "Hunger of Memory" is simply the memory of growing up. "There is no other country that has taken in so many people from so many places and cultures, and gained so much in the process. To turn away from that tradition now would do the United States great damage." (Lewis 155). "I grew up in a house where the only regular guests were my relations." (Rodriguez 161).

To conclude, "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez and "An American Story" by Anthony Lewis confront an issue that will still plague the Untied States. However, through more memoirs and positive media, immigrant families could hopefully be recognized for their strengths and sacrifices and struggles of moving to a new country and adapting their lives to our cultured, no matter how difficult that continues to be for them. It is a serious feat to accomplish - succeeding in a totally different country - one day that will be the common portrayal of immigrants in the United States.

Winter Break Descriptive Essay

Winter break is known for being not only the longest break from school, but it is seen as more exciting because of the holidays. My break was memorable because of Christmas and New Years.

Tradition has always been important in my family, and although I had just moved across the country less than a year ago, my mother was still adamant on spending time with our family, going to church and cooking a lot. My cousin had moved to Sun Valley, so we spent our first Christmas in Los Angeles in a heated church in eighty degree weather, and then of course having a lavish dinner after opening our presents. My favorite part of Christmas has always been the religious celebrations because to me, it displays the true meaning of Christmas.

This Christmas I got a lot of thoughtful gifts from people who really know me well. My best friends gave me jewelry, signed copies of books that are by Lena Dunham and Neil Patrick Harris, clothing, perfume, a Starbucks frappuccino charm, makeup and earbuds. My family gave me countless gift cards since they know I love to shop. My brother made me a decorative ornament that he made in his art class. I gave out similar gifts to my best friends - jewelry and books. I gave my mother nail polish and a necklace, and my brother a new computer game.

New Years has always been exciting for me because that's when I spent time with my friends since I don't see them for the rest of the three weeks. One of my close friends wanted to celebrate her birthday at Knott's Berry Farm in Orange County, and after having to plan out the entire day in a few weeks, it was definitely worth it. I absolutely love amusement parks, and I was glad I got to ring in the new year with my best friends - after getting off another rollercoaster, of course.

Overall, I enjoyed my winter break, and I'm glad I got to spend it in Los Angeles since it's my first year living here. I hope I can spend many more winter breaks here.