The following are voices of Facing History and Ourselves students who reflect on what it means to become American, and what people should know about the immigrant experience.

1. The following are voices of Facing History and Ourselves students who reflect on what it means to become American, and what people should know about the immigrant experience.

2. We knew that starting a new life would not be easy, but our expectations were bigger than fear. Giovanna, Santa Monica High School

3. The decision to come to America is one of bravery and strength. Being American is not a stamp or a signature on a piece of paper; being American is one of the countless behaviors of the living. Alexandria, Merlin High School

4. In 1998, my grandmother sent an application, so we can emigrate. We waited nine years and had forgotten about these documents….May 25, 2007 was like a birth to a new life for my mom, my sister and me. Nikita, Santa Monica High School

5. Without any choice, I was brought to this country by my parents who wanted to grant me a better future with real education and less violence. I thank them for that. Paulina, Glendale High School

6. I am dreaming of something I used to have in my home country. I feel like I left dreams, chasing dreams. Rusu, Santa Monica High School

7. I believe that if the actual citizens of the United States were to listen to us and hear all that immigrants have been through and what we’ve lost and what we’ve suffered then maybe they’ll understand what it means for all of us to come to a country where there’s hope for a better life with many opportunities. Yudy, Animo Justice Charter High School

8. One of the many challenges that I have to fight through everyday is discrimination and vibes that I’m not wanted in this country. Paulina, Glendale High School

9. We are hard working people, intelligent and have great ideas that might change the world and make it better, but instead we go hiding. It’s like playing hide and go seek. Now I say we’re gonna stop hiding and come out to show the world who we are. Leonardo, Animo Justice Charter High School

10. Many kids desire just one chance to make a difference for their families. It will not be in vain that I am progressing. Rafael, Santa Monica High School

11. My parents told me that everything they are doing is for me because they want me to get a good education . . .When I was in middle school …there was tagging in the restrooms saying that immigrants were not welcome here. Some (people) made jokes about immigrants. I laughed but inside of me I felt bad because my parents and family are immigrants and that was as if I was making fun of them. Miriam, Animo Justice Charter High School

12. This country has given me my everyday meals, safety, famliy, and the right to speak my mind. It has also given me the opportunity to reach in becoming a successful, intellectual woman. Paulina, Glendale High School

13. What I would want a non-immigrant to know about an immigrant? . . . People are always trying to think bad about you but when people do that you feel like a ghost because they make you feel like you don’t exist….that you’re not important to anyone. Alfredo, Animo Justice Charter High School

14. Becoming American. The verb “to become” sometimes frightened me. Will I lose my identity? Will I be a whole new different person after this year? I still can’t imagine myself letting go of my Danish culture. The longer I stay in this country, I recognize that assimilation is inevitable. . . Sooner or later I am going to be more American. Gabriella, Santa Monica High School

15. For those who were born here, I would like to tell them that it is very hard to leave all your friends and loved ones behind, move to another country and start a new life. That is why we need to help one another and make those students feel loved. Hayarpi, Glendale High School

16. I have tasted the life of an immigrant and it isn’t pretty. A sad good-bye and a broken heart that is what an immigrant carries along his journey from his home land to a land of “opportunities.” Paying three thousand dollars and more, this is his first debt. Esther, Animo Justice High School

17. Something that non-immigrants do not realize yet, is that we are fighters who never give up on our dreams and goals, even though the challenges could be fatal. Immigrants prefer to die trying, rather than live and never try. Mayra, Animo Justice Charter High School

18. Has anyone really defined the word “American?” According to dictionary.com the word American means a citizen of the United States. . . .I don’t believe that there is a definite definition because other people might not be a citizen, but they consider themselves one because they are dedicated to America. Nita, Beverly Hills High School

19. To be an immigrant in the United States means to live with injustice and discrimination. The American law shadows the immigrant. Mayra, Animo Justice Charter High School

20. You can trace anyone’s bloodline back to a place when their forefathers were crossing over into a new and strange land… John, Merlin High School

21. Hearing other people’s immigrant stories helps me realize how lucky I am and become thankful that I didn’t go through what they have gone through. Christina, Beverly Hills High School

22. I don’t want to be an intruder, but an accepted human being. I come to work for what I strive for, and make possibilities for myself; but most importantly, I come to contribute to this giving country, one that has given me what another could not. Paulina, Glendale High School

23. How can we find peace, Get rid of all our borders? But then what do we have for ourselves Without borders, personal borders Who are we? Karelle, Merlin High School