I am bravery. I have experienced something most American 10 years olds can't imagine.
I never realized that I was going to live in the USA. While crossing, I discovered that I'm brave. I now know that some migration officers are good people. Crossing the border is a life changing experience. I am happy I'm learning English, but I discovered that the US is not what other people told me. I want people to understand that Mexicans suffer in order to come here. Be nice! ~Emmanuel
Lindsay was born September 22, 2009. I remember because it was picture day at JHMS.
When I first carried her, I felt so happy. She was so, so small, as small as a kitty. She looked so cute. I felt scared to hold her. I thought that I was going to drop her. After a while, I got comfortable, and then I didn't want to give her to anyone else. Whenever I carried her and kissed her, my nephew, her brother, got mad at me. He was hitting me, even now he doesn't want me to carry her, especially because I tell him, “I'm going to take her.” He wants all of my attention. I love how he acts whenever I say, “Give me a kiss!" He does it, but sometimes he doesn't want to. I love all my nieces and nephews.
I NEVER thought that 7 pounds 4 oz would bring so much love to my life. I am still the happiest aunt in Jackson Hole. I still think that my heart might explode. The love makes it bump hard. I have no words to explain the love that I feel for her. My love for her is as big as the universe. The universe might seem spooky, dark, and dangerous, but really the universe is smooth, warm, so,so soft, and light. Not heavy, small. I will always love my FAMILY. ~Adalid
Response to Stuck in Neutral:
People have been killing their children for something that it's not their fault. I never realized that parents could kill their kids for being disabled. Two German parents killed their own four-year-old son for being disabled. They committed suicide after killing him. This fact is interesting because most of the parents don’t know what to do in those situations, and they make the wrong choice. A forty-six-year-old women killed her sixteen year old son in southern Australia; this happened in July 2009. She had already lived with him for sixteen years. Why would she kill him if he was already sixteen years old? Many claim that this shows these parents love their children, but I think with all the pain inside of them, they are scared of what's happening inside their children. This problem made me realized that life is not easy. I learned that people have a lot of going on in their lives, and it’s not always easy for them. ~Aridai
At the beginning of the canoe trip, I felt really excited to race, play games and many other activities. We were going to String Lake. We got out of the van. Then, we had to wait for the van with the canoes. "How much longer do we have to wait?" I asked Cat, who was one of my instructors.
The canoes finally came; we had to carry them down to the water.
"Wow! These are really heavy," Emily said, a friend who I had just met.
"They're green," I announced to Lexy when I saw the canoes coming. I knew that Lexy liked green and would be excited about the canoes being green.
"I know," Lexy said, excited. Green canoes could only mean one thing, we were going to have fun.
After we put the canoe in the rippling water, we had our first lesson. We put our life jackets on and got into the canoe. I felt excited and strange. I was in the back of the canoe, so I had a hard time paddling. I had to switch seats with Hunter. I sat in the middle, and Hunter sat in the back. We finally caught up with our teammates, and we started playing a game. It was canoe basketball. We were divided into two teams. There were three canoes on each team. The hoops were behind each of instructors. We had to pass the ball after we had it for only five seconds. We got really wet, especially when we got the ball because it usually landed in the water and was soaking wet. Being wet was refreshing on a hot day. My team scored, but we didn't win.
After the basketball game, we got to race to the bridge. The first canoe to reach it won. Some of us got stuck on the rocks, but we got loose. We used our paddles to move the canoe off the rocks.
Finally, we got a break. We were supposed to chase a coyote or the bear. Do you wonder what this means? Well, this is how the teachers at Teton Science School. say, "Go to the bathroom." Chase a coyote means to go #1. And, chase the bear means...well, you know!
I asked Cat, "Can we can get into the water and swim?"
I thought she was going to say no, but she answered, "Yes, but only up to you knees."
After swimming, we got back into the canoes; I knew it was going to be tricky. We had a race up to the boulder in the center of the lake. The boulder was a soldier standing at attention. It seemed solid out there with the waves crashing into it. "GO!" yelled Cat.
Once we got there, we joined up with three canoes. Together, we had to come back to the shore. We connected by holding onto the side of the canoe. The people in the middle canoe had to hold on, while the people in the outside canoes paddled. It was hard, but I knew we could do it. We went far; I was proud. We learned a lot about teamwork that day. ~Janet
My best friend is ten inches long, has spikes, and beautiful colors around his body. His name is Camila; he is a bearded dragon. I got him during the summer of 2009. He was 1 month, and now he is 4 months. His spikes are really funny looking. When he arrived, he looked like a monkey making funny faces at me. And when he got mad, he puffed up his balloon-like beard. At first I thought he was scary, now I'm used to it. It was easy getting used to him because he does those things all the time. When I held him for the first time, he felt like a soft banana with soft needles sticking out of the sides. I said to him, "You are one weird animal."
When I watched him eat for the first time, again I said to him, "You are one weird animal." When he eats, green guts squirt out of his mouth. He crunches down on mealworms and crickets, and usually their guts come out. If you listen really well, you can hear explosion in his mouth, it sounds like a grenade. That's a lot of pressure. When he drinks water, he becomes a cute little puppy...a puppy with spikes! He takes his tongue out and starts licking the water so fast, silent. Camila is my best friend. ~Axel
Emotions are a roller coaster. They go back and forth, up and down. I want to scream and throw up. Sometimes they make me feel bad and other times they make me happy. When they go down, I feel sad. When they go up, I feel happy. Feeling sad is inevitable, but there are ways to make myself happy again.
Friends are the ticket off the roller coaster. There are three ways friends can make me feel happy. First, when we are all together, I feel stronger. When I am feeling strong, I can laugh and my negative emotions go away. Second, when we go places together, I forget about everything that was making me sad and angry. My friends and I go for a walk, to the movies, or to each other’s houses. Third, spending the night together is the best way to feel better. When my friends call me to spend the night, I know it is going to be a good night. When we are together and talk about our sadness and angers, we help each other because we understand each other perfectly. We share connections that we have. When someone tells about her angry mom, another person might say, "That is just like MY mom!" It feels like we have the same mom and the same experiences. When I am with friends, I feel supported and sadness and anger disappear. Sadness and anger make me feel lonely, but I know that I don't have to be alone because I have my friends. You will feel better by being with your friends, too. ~Nidiyare
Sometimes
I am my best friend,
I am the only one who
understands me.
My problems,
The things I do and the reasons why I do them.
I am the only one who understands the reasons I am
like I am.
Sometimes
I am my worst enemy
I don’t even understand myself
why I say or do the things I
say or do
why I cause problems?
why I am negative?
I don’t know why
and that makes me
want to be alone
I don't want people to talk to me
my whole self begs for isolation
so I can escape into nothing
I don't have a reason to live...
and
my heart aches to be hugged.
Sometimes
by Alejandra
6/7th graders:
There is someone who is there for me every day; she's a girl who has a lot of love in her heart. She's MY MOM!
My Mom let me go to CA. There are three ways she showed her support for me. First, my mom supported me because she always wants to help me and to make me happy. Second, she was really happy because I'm the only one in our family who has gone somewhere far away. Third, my mom was so excited because I told her that I wanted to accomplish something by going to somewhere far away. She knew this was an important trip and opportunity for me, so she let me go. Sometimes I get mad at her, but I have to admit, she is the greatest mom I could ever have. ~Juan
I live with a dinosaur.
It was a good day
when it start crawling.
That day was the best day ever.
I felt nothing could ruined it.
I thought I was sleeping…dreaming,
but I was awake.
Then, it bit my hand,
I was mad.
When I open its mouth
to count its teeth,
I was surprised that it had
eight teeth.
I couldn't believe it.
They were sharp
Dinosaur teeth…
and they were in my
sister's
mouth!
~ Francisco PR
I was ready; I felt excited. I had to go to sleep early. I had to go to sleep at 8:00 p.m. Before I went to sleep, I had to put my pencil, markers, and scissors in my backpack. Then, I ran around in circles as fast as I could. Suddenly, my dad grabbed me, threw me in the air, and flew me around like an airplane. After that, I went to my room and my dad tucked me in. I felt scared and happy because the next day I would go to preschool. I turned my nightlight on and checked under my bed for monsters.
My dad took me to school, and I was singing a song that I had learned from my grandma back in Mexico. When she sang it, she sounded like angels singing with bells ringing. She sang it like no one else. The ride went on forever. On the way to my new school, I told my dad about my dream. "My teacher was Winnie the Pooh!" I hoped it would be true. ~ Carlos
I hold my breath
as I dive in
Entering the deep dark hole
Chocolate.
The sweet chocolate starts to
melt slowly
It forms a river
It trickles
into my tummy.
A river of melted deliciousness
rolls into my throat.
It's getting smaller and smaller.
I'm in the heaven.
BOOM
It cascades down
I swallow.
~Yesenia
Dear Dad,
Did you remember when you taught me the multiplication and division? Well, you should; you were the one who taught me. Thanks teaching me my math facts.
You believed in me me, and encouraged me to keep studying and to make new goals You even talked to me about my future and why I needed to know my math facts. I'm really thankful and lucky to have a dad like you:-)
Love,
Maria
Leaving my mom was the best thing I ever did!
In the beginning, I felt so excited I was going to Washington with my dad. On a Friday, my dad asked me if wanted to go to Washington; I answered, "Yes". I felt bad that I was leaving my mom, and I felt happy that I was leaving my sister, but I mostly felt excited that I was going on a trip with my dad. So I ran to my mom and hugged her, and she hugged me. She said, "Be careful son". As we drove away, my mom was crying which made me start to cry.
My trip was amazing. The adventure was so fantastic. I discovered that being with my dad is so exciting. I want fathers to understand that spending time with their sons is the best thing they can do. That trip was one of the most exciting times of my live.
~Alex
This year, the 8th grade students have studied ancient cultures from Mexico and South America. Our 6th and 7th graders have studied Hispanic leaders from our past and present. We've also read current events articles about the current state of Latinos in America. And, we've discussed the possibilities that exist in Jackson. A study of heroes is always interesting, but it isn't until we apply those same characteristics to ourselves and the people around us that we find inspiration and motivation. To only study heroes is to place success "out there". Our goal is to help our students recognize not only the powerful people who have paved the way, but the people, YOU - their parents, who continue to show them the way. If we do that, we can help our students tap into their inner resources to insure they find their way.
Our students would like to acknowledge YOU:
Stefani: My mom is my role model because she is a hard worker. She’s awesome.
My dad raises my expectation of my future because he says that everyone can reach high goals – especially if you are Latino.
Nancy: My parents are my role models because they inspire me to study and be a good student.
Cinthya: My mom is my role model because she inspires me to not give up on my goals.
Francisco: My mom inspires me because she tells me, “Don’t give up!”
Zamantha: My parents are creating new expectations because they expect more of me. They don’t want me to get C’s, they want me to have all A’s. They encourage me to study for tests and not watch a lot of TV. My parents say, “Don’t give up! If you get good grades, you’ll get a good job!”
Marco: My mom is awesome. She broke down stereotypes by not dropping out of school. She went to college and became a hairdresser. After all these years, she bought a salon just across the street from K-mart. Her success inspires me.
Alex: My mom is my role model because she inspires me to help my sister on her homework and to help everyone. I feel proud when I help others. My dad inspires me to work hard and not goof off.
Danicia: My parents are my role models because they both have their own companies. They are the bosses. Instead of taking advantage of the fact they are the boss, they are not lazy, they wake up early and go to work just like their employees do. They inspire others.
Carlos: My dad is my role model because he shows me how to do construction. He doesn’t give up, so I won’t either. My mom helps our community by volunteering for the PTA. She makes our schools better. She sold pumpkins in the pumpkin sale. I’m proud of my parents.
Maria: My familty – in different ways – inspire me to not give up on my dreams. My brother is working and working hard in school. My sister tells me, “Don’t drop out, you’ll get a better job. You will be able to be a doctor or teacher.” My dad shares about his past and this makes me feel good about my life. He tells me, “Try to improve so you can learn more.” My mom tells me, “Look forward!” My family inspires because they believe in me.
Juan: Instead of being shy and not working, my mom is not a bit nervous. I have discovered that she wants to learn many things: English and cooking. She is a lifelong learner. My dad has been in Jackson for 11 years. He has two jobs, which is a big responsibility. He never gives up. He is smart and always active. They inspire me to be the same.
Yolanda: My dad helped the community when he was a police office in Mexico. He protects other people, which is why he is overprotective of me. I will always be his little girl – though it wouldn’t hurt if he realized I was 13 years old! My parents are my heroes. They make me feel better. When they encourage me, they make me feel like I am on top of the world. They once said, “Never give up. Always follow your dreams! No matter what, we will always be here for you.” I love you.
Ashley P: My dad helps our community by building homes in a lot of places. My dad works with many different people. He is fun and sometimes he buys us what we want. My mom is a role model because she shows me how to cook and encourages me to finish school. I want to finish high school and go to the University in Mexico. My parents believe in me.
Nidiyare: My mom and dad create new expectations because when they come to conferences, they expect a lot from me. They have high expectations for me all the time. My mom is my role model because she helps my family in everything, and she brings in money, so we live better. My dad is also my role model because he supports my family.
Alejandra: My mom is inspirational to me because she buys me new books at the book fair. I am proud of myself for reading Emako Blue. I discovered that some books are not boring and I now know that I want to read more books like that one. My mom supports me because she believes I am a reader and buys me books. Reading more will make my future brighter.
Adalid: My mom is my role model because she always tells me, “Do your best.” She also gives me advice. She believes in me and helps me to be a good student, so I can go to college.
Emmanuel: My mom and dad inspire me; they want me to graduate from college, so I can have a better and easier life than they did. They don’t want me to suffer like they did when they were children and even now when they try to find work. They want me to speak English, learn other languages, and work hard in school so that I can graduate and have a great job.
Yair: My mom and dad are my role models because they have high expectations about my grades. They give me prizes and rewards when I get good grades. They always tell me to do my best. They keep me motivated!
Janet: My parents are my role models because they are hard working. My mom inspires me to move forward. She reminds me to try hard and never give up. I did that this year in volleyball, and I succeeded.
Aridai: I am proud of my parents because they have worked hard to bring us to the USA and to keep moving forward. They have patience with us. My mom and dad care about us. They are good parents for my brothers, sisters, and me. I know it is hard for them to keep working so hard, but they have us to help them. I thank God for the wonderful parents he has given to me, for all he has given to me.
Jassiel: My friends inspire me because they are funny and make me laugh a lot.
Axel: I am breaking stereotypes by getting good grades! My mom and dad help the community by recycling. My parents inspire me by supporting my love of music. They buy me guitars and bases and amps. They help me a lot when I have a show. My mom says, “You can do it!” and my dad taught me how to sing. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for supporting me and introducing me to music. Music is my life.
It is important that we work together to avoid some of the unnerving statistics that face our children. Across our nation, 50% of Latino Students drop out of high school… However, Jackson is a special place. This statistic doesn’t have to be real here. There are resources - both human and financial - that can help make this true. But we also have to work together to be sure the resources aren't lost.
Yolanda, "I never realized that so many Hispanics drop out, and the effect this has on their futures. I want to go to college and have success in my future. I now know that if you drop out of high school, you completely change your future. I want my parents to know that I can succeed. I want my mom to know that she is right; my education is very important. I would like to thank my parent for pushing me toward my future goals.
I discovered that this year I'm getting better grades. I know it is because English is getting easier, but I'm working harder. I can't believe it's my choice to decide what my grades - and my future - will be. I now want to focus on my education. I never realized I have that power.
When I learned that my brother was struggling in kindergarten, I decided I would read to him more. This will help him learn more and more. I discovered that my brother is confused by English and Spanish...it's not about what he is learning. I now know that I can and will help my brother succeed. I want to be a good example for my brother. I want a good future so that one day I'll be my brother's role model. I am going to go to college."
Juan, "I learned that if we want to have a college degree, we can because we live in an awesome town." Let's work together to make sure our kids get to choose their future. Let's work together to get them through high school and into college. We can do it, we just need to work together.
This is going to be a great year!
