|
Across Fair Oaks and Howe Avenue, on a Saturday afternoon in January, when it was cold and windy, my mother and I decided to campaign for a presidential candidate. Holding our big banner at both ends, we stood persistently for five hours without a break, not minding the bad weather, ridicules, and negative responses from some people. It caused me to ask myself these questions, "What will this sacrifice do for me and the people of our nation today and the future? What is the connection of this experience to my desire to finish high school and go to college with the hope that California leaders will save me and my peers a spot in college?"
As I began to think, my brain, as fast as DSL, told me, "Don't forget, you cannot graduate from your senior year until you complete your five hours of political service! Ha! Ha! Ha!" Suddenly, I slipped back into reality and I found the answer to my first question. I was there with my mother not only because of the school requirement but also for the candidate we believe will make the "American dream" always alive. A president that will be an inspiration to other political leaders in our society, especially the ones in California who can help and support a student like me and my peers who try our best to excel academically and develop our talents and skills. I, for example, love music, art, and writing. I create drawings that are exhibited in public places, write poems that are being published in anthologies, play the piano in retirement and convalescent homes that I hope gives joy to the hearts of the elderly in my community.
I hope my peers and I may continually do the great work we have started and be of service to anyone who needs us. By getting higher education, we can be partners with our leaders in building a strong nation, solving the challenges that we are facing, especially during this time, like the issues of health care, terrorism, energy crises, immigration, sanctity of life, marriage, education, taxes, housing problems, war, and so much more. Working hand in hand with them, we can make a difference. So should California leaders save me and my peers a spot in college? It's up to you, California leaders! |
= Grand Prize winner for this category