My father is an ambitious man; he always wanted what was best for his family. ... We were forced to relocate and journey back to my parents' homeland, Mexico. With all
this instability, my life seemed to be everywhere - except where I wanted it to be. ... My parents' only wish when they emigrated from Mexico was for each of us to have a better life than they had. ... Looking around at my surroundings, I knew that if I did not work hard for what I wanted it was not going to be miraculously placed right at the palm of my hand. ...

• Word Count: 983
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Being a Mexican-American growing up in a family of ten siblings with an English speaking father and a Spanish speaking mother was the best thing that ever happened to me. I loved living in the riches of two cultures, two languages, and absolutely relished celebrating Mexican and American customs and traditions all under one roof. ... I quickly learned, Spanish was not tolerated in my classroom, or school for that matter, and it was not long before I assimilated to the ways of our school system and learned that it was best to forget and dishonor my Mexican culture. ... I made it through my mi...

• Word Count: 948
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

So I took it and all my determination made me what I am today. ... At first it was hard being one the first restaurant to serve Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. What most people don't know is Italian and Mexican use almost the same technique and Chinese is an art for me, there to spice up and make the restaurant unique. ... You have to go out and work for what you want. I didn't realize before I met the genie that I was going to work long and hard to be a success. ...

• Word Count: 459
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

All through out high school I hung out with the Mexican group simply because of the fact that they didn't judge me for what I did, but for who I was. ... I never wanted to pressure anybody into doing anything they didn't want to do, and also I never made fun of somebody without them knowing that I didn't mean it. ... While I was still fifteen I decided to hang out with this Mexican family, because they were the only people who saw me for me and not the things I did. ... The only problem that I had with her was the fact that I had fallen for her and didn't want to lie anym...

• Word Count: 785
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

I am a Mexican-American raised in USA, but I did not know grow up living the America way of life. ... I always wanted to become part of the medical field, and I was so sure about it. ... I was terrified and I did not want to be embarrassed anymore. ... I felt a release on my cheat and I could breathe again. ... I was so anger, and I wanted it to end. ...

• Word Count: 975
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

Also Esperanza's father said,Nobody went to public school unless you wanted to turn out bad.? ... People make fun of her name, and she thinks it sounds like something from a Mexican song that her father plays while he shaves (10). ... People who come to her neighborhood want to leave because it frightens them by being so run down and dirty (28). ... Which I think would make her feel positive about herself. ... I feel it will take a lot for Esperanza to overcome all the horrifying experiences that have happened over the past 13 years of her life. ...

• Word Count: 905
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

I am totally honored to be a part of this "institution." ... Any organization or event that I commit myself to, I obligate myself to perform the tasks at hand at the fullest of my abilities and do not believe in doing anything half-heartedly. ... I have also traveled to India, Mexico, Canada, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and forty-nine out of fifty states. ... If I am not selected, no doubt I will be disappointed, but I will still assist in any way possible and try again as soon as possible. I want so badly to be a part of this Council and have always wished to be a part of...

• Word Count: 1043
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School