Dear Editor,
This spring, 30 young writers from Gilroy High School spent their evening participating in a California Writing Project and California Council for the Humanities event entitled “California Stories Uncovered.” This regional reading was just one of hundreds that took place throughout the state this April. Because of this powerful opportunity, teachers and students had the chance to read, write, and publish pieces centered on the themes:
growing up and finding our identity in a changing California
understanding how our community, history, and heritage have shaped who we are as Californians
grappling with the realities and challenges of life in California
dreaming of a better life in California, as newcomers or long-time residents.
As teachers, we found tremendous reward in watching some of our most reluctant readers and writers celebrate their voices by sharing their writing in public. Despite expressing fear and anxiety about the event, each brave participant overcame the instinct to sink into the background. Each walked proudly to the microphone and proclaimed personal experiences to an audience of educators, family, and peers. Some wrote about history and heritage, others about neighborhoods and communities, still others about finding identities in school activities and friendships. Regardless of the theme, tone, or subject matter, each piece was unique, imaginative, and professional.
We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all the remarkable authors who found the strength to write and then put voice to their personal stories. We would also like to express our gratitude to the wonderful audience who provided feedback to those who were reading. By celebrating the promise and potential of all our students you have helped them to become more confident and skilled writers. We are looking forward to promoting similar events next year, with increased interest, frequency, and passion.
“Learning to read is learning to walk. Learning to write is learning to rise!” – José MartÃ
Shawna Morejon, Susie Huerta, Valerie Hunt and Joan Martens
Some examples of the student’s work:
Let the Pain Begin
by Jose Andrade
When I was about 10 my uncle told me his dream about becoming a Marine. He told me how the greatest day in his life would be the day he stands alongside his fellow Marines all decked out with stars and stripes. I could see this illusion in my head, an image of him standing there covered in rows of medals. But when he finished telling me his dream he broke it at the same time. He told me that dreams are for sissies and he no longer believed in them. At that moment his dream became mine. I told him that if he would give up on his dream then I’ll have to make my dream a reality. He looked at me and smiled. I swear I could see a tear in his eye but I didn’t understand why.
Now I’m a junior at Gilroy High School and pursing my dream. I have to wait two more years before my dream can truly become a reality. The legal age to register for the Marines is 18 and I’m only 16. It doesn’t matter; I’ve waited six years – what’s another two? From the past six years of training I will be close to my prime and completely ready to become a Marine
Last year, I started to have second thoughts about my dream. According to some, you should get paid for your service in the military. I never looked at going to the Marines for money. My cousin, on the other hand, does not believe that.
His exact words to me were, “Jose, you’re stupid. You’re going to go in to the Marines and get killed. Your parents aren’t going to get any money. All they will get is a flag that should be you. Is that what you want?” At the time, I didn’t know what to say. I just stayed quiet and thought about that. I’m not afraid to die. I’m more afraid of my mom hearing that I died. It would just kill her inside. With all this resting on my shoulders, I still want to become a Marine. I made a promise to never quit until my dream becomes a reality, so I can’t quit.
Everyday, people grow up knowing what they will do with their lives. It mostly comes from what they are good at. For example, kids who really like cars and like to fix them become mechanics. Kids who like to help others when they are sick become doctors. Kids are good at many other things and it’s what they do with their life. I’ve never been good at too many things. I’m good at solving problems, making strategies and using weapons. What I’m good at is the necessary requirements to go to the Marines.
I enjoy a good challenges. That’s what all this is. Life itself is a challenge. Nowadays, I wonder if my uncle told me his dream to psychologically put it into my head. Either way, I know it’s what I want to do now. Joining the Marines won’t be easy and I don’t expect it to. I’m waiting and I’m ready. Let the pain begin.
PIECE OF OTHERS
by Yessica Espinosa
I am Enchiladas
Fortunate and thankful
Good tasting and enjoyable
I smell my mom’s delicious Mexican food
Satisfied because of what I’m eating
I am like a good grade, content and full
I am enchiladas because
Without them I don’t know what I would do
I AM FROM
by Yesenia Rodriguez
I’m from a Hispanic culture, from a place far, far away, where the birds sing and the flowers grow and there are animals where ever you go.
I am from a country that promised for a better future. I am from the U.S. where my people come to find a better life, and make our dreams come true. I am from the Garlic City.
My Family and Me
by Rachel Robles
The blood of my ancestors pounds through my veins. The way they run free in the open plains. The whisper of their chants brush against my ear. Red head feathers scream out my name. Also, the colors of red, white, and green paint my past. The songs carried in the wind yell out my brown heritage.
I am
by Ray Salinas
I am Daisy,
Nice and friendly
Understanding and supporting,
I see her as a sister.
I hope you do well in your future.
I am Daisy because she’s like a sister, and a mom
Because she is always there for me.
I am Ricky,
Powerful and tough
Fighting and burning
I smelled fire when I burned.
I am a brother and a best friend.
I am Ricky
Because I wish you were here.
I am San Diego,
Rough and cool
Aggressive and remembering.
I smell steak every day I wake up.
I am San Diego because its my hometown.
I am San Diego
Because I’m from 619.
I Am From
by Selinna Zepeda
I am from El Salvador
The deep dirt south of South America
Where the streets aren’t straight
And the bricks aren’t well made
I am from the booming city, San Jose
With buildings bringing people
Closer to Heaven and with noises in the streets
But I’ve been raised in the Garlic City of the world
Across the railroad tracks
in the least ghetto of ghettoes
I am from the aged house with
Crickedy steps and no square rooms
Alongside a crowded family with a growing tree
With the different minds in the head
An insanity claimed grandma with a slightly
Sane daughter and half dozen troubles
I am from a family with a tradition at the park
With parties in shine or fog
The family comes to reunite
The volleyball net erected high for the
Children of all ages to come and play
I am from the family with a double set
Of twins and mixes of all the race down the line
Not far away from me
Booksmart and streetsmart compete within the
Family and humor remarks in between
Scissors to the hair bring food to the table
And education brings superiority
I am from a family where
“Education is a priority” and
“Try, then retrieve your goal” is often said
“Family before friends and happiness before sorrow.”
I am from pupusas from the deep dirty south and
Tamales from the Americanized Mexicans with
Alcoholic drinks filling up the ice chests.
I am a fanatic of the drug induced
Alice in her wonderland
The paranoid feels of the Night Stalker
The disturbing jokes in Invader Zim
And the powerful legend of Jack the Ripper
I am a fanatic of the psychedelic
Sounds of the doors
The acid trips of Jimi Hendrix
The heart blasted soul of Janis Joplin
Then in come the thrashings of Slayer and
The passionate lyrics of Marilyn Manson.
The world, to me holds my strong
Feelings towards my supporting family
Overwhelmed by the obsession of someone else
Pensive of my future plans.
I am from happiness by way of struggle.
I am Selinna, the life of the party.
