Family
Grade 9

Tales of Adoption and Courage

I was born in the Bronx section of New York to parents who are only vague memories to me now. When I was about two or three years old my biological father and mother divorced and my biological mother took me to Korea, my “homeland.” For two years, I lived in a one-room house with […]

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spoken word
Pop Culture
Grade 9

The Message Behind the Music

“Now, what you hear is not a test. I’m rappin’ to the beat, and me, the groove, and my friends are gonna try to move your feet.” According to rapper Jay-Z, rap has changed America immensely to improve race relations and has done more than any leader or politician. In fact, the influence that rap […]

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Immigration
Grade 9

An Immigrant’s Pride

Fifteen years ago, two scientists in their twenties gave up their respectable jobs and their cozy apartment, bid farewell to their family and friends, left their hometown, and came to a new country—America. All they had were a yet to be born baby, 4 suitcases and a thousand dollars. They studied hard, worked diligently and […]

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pita
International Cultures and Issues
Grade 9

My Syrian Culture

As one would say “welcome” in Arabic, salamo alaykom!  My Syrian origins from my dad’s side of the family are reflected in different aspects of my life. I have eaten Syrian food, listened to my parents and other relatives speak Arabic, and used Arabic expressions my whole life. My family’s Syrian culture ties all of […]

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