Monday, February 20, 2012

Week of March 1, First Person American

Hi everyone,

This week we are going to explore the website for First Person American, the organization we'll be working with every Friday, beginning 3/2/12.

Please visit their website.

Watch two of the films.

Then in Google Docs, answer the questions below:
  1. Why is it important to tell our stories?
  2. How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
Post your answer to these questions to our blog comments.

Now for the important work:

Begin to tell your story by answering these questions. We will be working with this text a lot, so please save it as a separate document in Google Docs and call it "Your Name's Welcoming Story" (e.g. Ms Mann's Welcoming Story):
  1. What's your name? Could you briefly tell me more about yourself? Where you're from, when you arrived, at what age you arrived, why you came, etc?
  2. What was the most confusing or difficult thing you encountered in that early time?
  3. Did you know anyone here when you first arrived?
  4. Tell me about a person who recognized your talents and had a powerful and profound impact on helping you start your new life in the US; and/or a person who helped you/your parents/your family adjust to American life?
  5. Who was this person? Describe what they were like (physical traits, personality traits, etc).
  6. What did they do for you? How do you feel you are different from their help or involvement?
  7. Do you still keep in touch with this person? If you could tell this person something now, what would you tell him or her?
Save your answers and print them out for tomorrow! If you do not finish, please do it for HW and bring it in tomorrow! This is a very serious, important HW!!!

34 comments:

  1. Why is it important to tell our stories?

    It is very important to tell our stories because people who are not familiarized with different people from diverse countries and language can see what we go through. Also it is important because we can show how much we improved and send a message to those who are new to the country like us, and they can follow our steps or try to create new ones.


    2. How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    Telling our stories to the world can improve the human rights for immigrants because we can show that we are the majority and we deserve the same respect and rights as everybody else. We need to show that we are the same, and we deserve the same things as a regular person who is not an immigrant.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Why is it important to tell our stories?

    I personally think that our stories are very significant because they reflect what we did to achieve in America. Our stories contain all the efforts that we did to come here. As well how motivated we are to succeed.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?

    I think that our stories can inspire immigrants who think their rights have been violated. The stories can help shape a new ideology about immigrant rights and encourage them to speak and protect their rights.

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1.Why is it important to tell our stories?
    The importance to tell our story is that many people learn how we are and not critiqued the people by the stereotypes that they have from one group of people. Also tell the people who help us in this country to progress and change definitely direction of our life.
    2.How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    Immigrants can sharing they stories to teach people know them and the purpose why they came to this country. For example Most of the people came to this country to progress and have better opportunities than may be in their country never they will have. Also people show how other people teach them about the new country and the new language that they need learn now.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1. It is important to tell our own stories because not everybody can easily go through the process when he or she just got here, and when we tell our stories in which we give them the supports and experiences to encourage them in new immigrants’ lives.
    2.Immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants by providing them the huge confidence to reveal them that nothing can beat us immigrants, just the matter of time to overcome the difficulty.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1. Why is it important to tell our stories?

    It is important because people can see many stories from people who came from different countries, we can get to know what they went through, Also it is important because people who are new in this country get motivation to continue their lives here and at the end they can see what they improved.

    2. How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?


    It would help because we can show other people that we deserve the same respect and the same rights because people had hard times to get here and continue their lives far away from their countries and their family and they can show others that they also can get far in life and make other immigrants keep fighting to reach their goals.

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1- Why is it important to tell our stories?

    it’s important to share our stories because people will have the chance to learn about our lives and what did we go through. they also, get to learn about our cultures and language. but from our side we see how much did we move on in life no matter how big the problem was.

    2- How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?

    sharing our stories will make others see what the immigrants go through problems just because they are immigrants. we as immigrants should be respected as other people, some people look at us as if we are nothing and we don’t deserve anything. we should be equal and should be treated equally, and respected.

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1. It is important to tell our stories because each of us immigrants came to the United States in a bunch of different ways. some of us may come here pretty easily,some may not because of the relationship between the Untied States and the immigrant’s country or do not have enough money and have to do illegal things in order to come here.Those are important to tell because you show someone how much you have struggle to be where you are today.You may also inspire them because they might have lived the same things as you or worst but yet you succeed.

    2.Sharing Immigrants stories can help improve human rights for immigrants because they have been through so much unfair things that people do to them like giving them unsafe jobs or unsafe houses. It also help human rights for immigrants because people will be touch by hearing or by seeing those stories in a video because they have never experienced it before.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Why is it important to tell our stories? Because by telling them we can help others to be stronger , in that way they can survive what they are passing through when they come to America.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants? I t helps to improve human rights because, there is nothing better than feel that you have support from others, that you are loved, and people that receive that like to help, to respect and to give that love back, that is important to live in a society.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    I think it is important to tell others our stories from when we came from our countries because when we show others our stories they learn from them. Sometimes they also try to understand our feelings.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    I think it helps others by showing them what are the personalities of the people and also it explains the attitude of some people.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    I think it is really important because we are have different way of thinking and how we are being through everything especially when you come to America or other country. as I was watching those videos I saw that when you tell story you learn a lot and understand more about being and immigrant. Also if you are from different culture you can learn from those stories and how they became successful.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    if we tell our stories about being immigrant in this country they will understand more. Later on we all be treated equally and how we deserve to have the same rights and respect.but also immigrants who are afraid will feel inspire and also everyone will understand how hard is to be here with family or with out for success in the future because in our home country we couldn't find it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dino Koljenovic

    1. It’s important to tell our stories because our stories show an image of who we really are. By telling our stories we make it easier for the people who are new to this country. Someone who does not speak the same language as us might understand us and see what we been though to get to where we are now. In addition, telling a story can sometimes be helpful for ourselves because it would make us think about things we’ve done in our life and how those things effect us (positive/negative).

    2. If we share our stories and what we’ve been though and how much we fought to get to where we are can help improve human rights for immigrants in a way where we show that we are same as everyone else and we deserve same exact rights that everyone has. We should share our stories if possible and tell the world what a regular immigrant life is like, in my opinion that will change global image of immigrants and their rights that the world has.

    ReplyDelete
  12. 1.Why is it important to tell our stories?
    Its important to tell our stories so that people know the struggle we had learning the language,culture and everything around us .also the positive and negative things people say to us as immigrants .Also how why we came here and how some people inspired us.

    2.How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    Sharing immigrants stories can help improve human rights ,because then they don't just us because many people come for a better education so that they can have a better future .

    ReplyDelete
  13. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    Because we can share our past experiences to many people who are in the same situation as we were, also that’s an example of succeed and effort. Many people who are thinking to come to America probably are afraid but if they see that everybody has a chance to improve their lives they’ll get self-confidence.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    Because if people see all the injustices or the problems that immigrants suffer to come here they won’t be so heartless and will give us a hand to succeed. Also sharing our stories is a great prove of how people really want to improve their lives.

    ReplyDelete
  14. 1: its important to tell or share our stories with other because people will actually realize how much we struggles through our lives and plus they might learn from our stories a lot , such as taking every good opportunities
    2.it helps a lot by actually letting people and government know that we came here for a better future and we struggled to get. and alot of immigrants have succeed and became important people in our lives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that "they might learn from our stories a lot , such as taking every good opportunities"

      Delete
  15. Telling our stories is important because as an immigranter , we have the similar experience with them and their stories encouraged us.

    It could move many people and may make people want to help them. Help each other and no discrimination is a big improvement of human rights.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, the experience from these stories would encourage all of us to be able to get through difficult situations.

      Delete
  16. Why is it important to tell our stories?

    it’s important to tell our stories because our stories could inspire more dreamer who can’t achieve their dream in their own countries, they could immigrate to America and finish their dream.And our stories let’s our friends know our life more deeply.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?

    Everyone has same right in America whatever you are immigrant or citizen, you could do all legal things you want to do in this country. So don’t afraid to come to the U.S, this a great place to help people get a better life and achieve their dream.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Why is it important to tell our stories?

    It is important to remind us that we have received helps from others, which we should be appreciated. And we will do what others had had helped us. We will contribute ourselves in society.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?

    By sharing immigrant stories, we can see the difficulties of immigrants, which will make us to be strong when we meet the difficulties. Also, by knowing the immigrants’ stories, we can see a lots of people are helping immigrants, which make a great atmosphere.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I agree, knowing the difficulties would help us to be strong and never give up.

      Delete
  18. It is important to tell and share our stories because it will show many people what are the obstacles that many immigrants are facing. Our stories contain the effort and determination that we put to achieve our dreams.

    By telling our stories, people will notice immigrants and look at them from a different perspective. And they will notice our determination and that we are hardworking and responsible, and we came hire for a better lives and not to destroy a U.S economy. It may also change some bad stereotypes about immigrants, since hate come from not knowing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you, knowing the obstacles would be really helpful for the new immigrants.

      Delete
  19. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    It's important in a sense of history, we are all going to be history in one way or another. As it is interesting to us what the immigrants back in Ellis Island felt at that time, it will be in the future important to those generations what we felt back in our time.

    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?

    It might help being a support to us the newly arrived immigrants, but also to help the others to understand that we are all immigrants whether we like it or not. I think there is a fundamental misconception about us immigrants, we need to show them our purpose in this country and why we want to be here.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It’s important to tell our stories because it might help other immigrants who might not have the same experience as us to go through their difficult time adjusting live in this country. It can also provide motivations just by watching those videos, knowing that being successful is really achievable in this country. Anything is possible basically.

    Sharing immigrant stories help to improve human rights for immigrants by promoting diversity in the community all over the world. Almost every country has access to the internet, even though it might not be their own internet access, it will still be visible to the people all over. This video could awaken the good side of the people and create a very accepting environment.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    It is important to tell our stories because their are part of what makes us who we are . Every human beings has a story that helped to become who they are in their life .Stories are meant to be told either if it’s to aspire or give encouragement to others . \
    Sharing immigrants stories help improve human rights for immigrants because it going to show to the new immigrant that these people telling their story also have been through what they are going through right now . It gives them like an encouragement and that it is OK and keep working hard because someday you will also succeed and be like them .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like the way you wrote "Every human beings has a story that helped to become who they are in their life ".

      Delete
  22. 1.Sharing our stories is important because people can understand us better and care more about us when they hear real stories about struggles and perseverance in life. It also help us, somehow, to respect our own stories of life and not be ashamed of what others think about us.

    2.Sharing immigrant stories can show make people immerse in our world and see our stories from our point-of-view. If people understand us and see us from our perspective, they will respect us and that would improve human rights for immigrants.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree by telling our stories can make people care and understand us better.

      Delete
  23. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    In my opinion it’s important to share our stories because it encourage us to keep going because we get to see what we’ve been thorough and how have we overcome obstacles.It can also encourage others who may be going through the same situation.

    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    sharing our stories can help encourage and inspire others. It can improve human rights for immigrants because by inspiring others that would give them the courage to succed during dificulties. Usually when we first come to this country we lack of information about the rights and opportunities we have as immigrants; and unfortunately because of that lack of information, we immigrants live situations that violates our rights. Knowing about other people who struggled for the same as us gives motivation, and it can do a positive change in peoples lives. in that way it can help improve human rights.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    It is important to tell our stories because people can know our struggles that we overcome to achieve our destination. They can feel those situation by our stories. And our stories can give encourage to them. Also by telling our stories people can know us like who we are and what qualities we have.

    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    Sharing immigrants stories can change people’s perspective to immigrants. And it might help to reduce discrimination in this society. Every immigrants has some how the same experience but those lucky people who never went through a situation as immigrants can know the difficulties and all the things that they don’t know. So that can help them to respect the immigrants more.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    It is important to tell us stories because they can remind us we always receive help from others when we are suffering something, and now it is time to help others as the people who help you before. As an immigrant, we could know what trouble the newcomers have, so we can help them if they need help and guide them to be better.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    If we share those immigrant stories, the new immigrants can know more about the experience of others, and then they can learn something in the stories, and ask for help if they want. It is a good way to let people know about the human rights, what rights they should have.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Why is it important to tell our stories?
    It is important to tell our stories because all of us are immigrant we had face the same change. It is the big turning point of our life.  Telling our stories could encourage each other and it is also great to share things,let people know more about you.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?
    Sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants because people could know about immigrant more from their stories. THen they will know how to help them.

    ReplyDelete
  27. It’s important to share our stories because you get a chance to learn more about yourself how did you go through and how did you change something in your life. People also learn about your culture, language, where are you from. Also, how did you spend your time with so many difficulties and how did you succeed in you life.

    If we share our new immigrant stories we can learn more about others and if there is any problem happen we can help each others.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Why is it important to tell our stories?

    I think is important to tell our stories in order to make other people that haven't pass for this situation how hard is for all the immigrants to change a whole life in just a flight. Tell our stories help us to get some good advices or to be understood. We also can meet people with similar experiences as us, but just by telling our stories we can find similarities with other person.
    How can sharing immigrant stories help improve human rights for immigrants?

    In my opinion sharing immigrant stories will help improve human rights because immigrants can change people point of view about immigration by knowing how hard it is and how traumatic is for a person to move from their native country to another.

    ReplyDelete