The PIWC 2019 Essay Writing Contest

By: Christian, Chacha and Xavier D

 

The PIWC 2019 Essay Writing Contest slated for May 11 , 2019 was held successfully with thirteen (13) essayists participating (8 females and fi ve males) from 9 various schools: Lane Tech College Prep High School, East Laden High School, Naperville Central High School, Niles West High School, Yorkville High School, Maine South High School, James Gilles Elementary School, Ridgewood High School, and Wheaton North High School.

Josefi na WeeSit, Chairperson, PIWC Essay-Writing Contest There were 6 essay contest winners instead of 5 because there were 2 essayists garnering the same RUBRIC SCORES for the 5th place . The winners follow:

1st Prize: Angela Mihma S . Achanzar ( Lane Tech College Prep High School:. 2nd Prize; Kayla Tejero ( Yorkville High School); 3rd Prize: Samantha Caasi Tica (Wheaton North High School); 4th Prize:Reijhay Vargas (Niles West High School); 5th Prize:Marissa Laqui (Naperville Central High School; and Sarina Laya (Yorkville High School).

1st Place

by Angela Mihma S. Achanzar

10th Grade-Lane Tech College Prep High School

Best-selling author, chef, television personality, and educator Amy Riolo shares advice for helping children embrace the healthy and delicious foods of the Mediterranean- style eating pattern.

Immigration: A Blooming Success

I was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S. when I was merely 6 months old. Although I don’t feel like an immigrant, I certainly am one. My mother is currently a teacher, and my father is retired. My parents are immigrants as well, and they have discovered brighter, humble sides of life in America. I believe I am quite uninformed about my home country. Aside from taking two vacations in my lifetime, I have only seen pictures, heard stories, and watched YouTube videos about either the pure fun and tourism-friendly aspects of the country, or the troubling, more negative parts that exist. My Americanized self knows the U.S. without any accurate base for comparison, though I can advocate for the fulfi lling act of immigration.

The notorious “American Dream” has been an ideal that many have tried to achieve in moving to the United States. Founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, America is infamous for its potential freedom and prosperity. We have heard all the positive stories about people immigrating in hopes of improving their own lives and future generations. Over history, from the original Thirteen Colonies to the Industrial Revolution, many people have sacrifi ced important parts of their home country, risked their lives, and left long and complicated journeys to pursue this one dream. This specifi c dream exists for a reason, especially due to all the areas of opportunity and pleasure in the U.S.

People often want a chance to have a fresh start in their life and become a better version of themselves. Moving out, whether it be to a new state or continent, is a primary outlet to do so. The U.S, in particular, gives an opportunity to start your own business, and or easily fi nd employment in multiple fi elds. Immigrants are able to obtain simple jobs with fair pay, and this can act as a bridge to more successful, fulfi lling futures. The U.S. is a fi rst-world country and up to speed on modern technology and accommodations as well, even in health and education. Traveling to an unknown place is fairly daring, though there are multiple ways to assimilate and settle in the country. Also known as a ‘melting-pot’, America is fi lled with people from all walks of life, all with different backgrounds. There are many places to visit, and there are even clusters of primarily immigrant neighborhoods.

Residing permanently in the United States has disadvantages that inevitably come along with moving out of your home country, or stepping out of your comfort zone. It is indeed a source of joy to stay with family, remain in ones’ childhood town, and continue the familiar life that has always existed. However, to avoid new experiences is to prevent true living. One must let go of the past and sacrifi ce parts of life in order to achieve a potentially better future, both economically and personally. While in the U.S, I continue to see Filipino-Americans sending Balikbayan boxes to their families back in the Philippines. Through Facebook and other forms of digital communication, immigrants are still happily connected to their former lives, and can always feel a sense of home.

There are instances where one is undeniably unhappy or feeling their growth being stagnated in their country. Poverty remains an issue in the Philippines, and many years ago, my father saw America as an entrance to an average or at least normal life. Despite close family ties, he felt that it was essential to not waste away. The simple, yet pleasant life he discovered after immigrating was a drastic change and contrast from life in the Philippines. Working a simple job in Illinois could not compare to the hard, dissatisfying work with little gain in the Philippines. Remaining miserable cannot do someone well, and I can say that it is worth pursuing the yearning for relevance or a wider room for opportunity and growth. Instead of becoming discouraged, I see that his Dream evolved into one of less grandeur, but more humble ideals. Talking about the trip to America, he said he was “lucky to be there when others could not.” He felt privileged enough to simply be in the ‘land of the free,’ regardless of the absence of the glamorous and eventful lifestyle he had dreamt of.

Having big aspirations, hopes, and dreams, are important possessions. They can get harmful, however, when naivety is present. I personally believe that in most cases, you can achieve anything with hard work. One cannot simply migrate to a whole different world and expect the success and money to appear immediately. The United States does indeed have avenues for prosperity, but it would be ignorant to believe that you will get somewhere without putting in genuine effort. This is likely a mistake that occurs often, resulting in disappointing, failed ‘American Dreams’. As an immigrant, my father’s chance of getting a job was unfortunately lowered due to the preference for American-born citizens. Although he was also held back from jobs due to his age, he says he believes that he could have worked harder. He is aware of some of the unrealistic expectations that blinded him from reality. It is certainly not easy to restart your life, and it requires perseverance through any roadblock. Culture shock, language barriers, and confusion are irrelevant when you fail to understand the basis of welfare and success. As a whole, immigration isn’t leaving your country, rather, it is a way to help out both yourself, your family, and future generations to come, as long as you can cope with its endeavors.