US History
Fall 2011, Morning Class
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Narratives Essays
Students were prompted to write a narrative that was either autobiographical, based on a family member, or a person that was close to them. They were asked to explain how the selected person or persons' experience intersected with a historical event or era. The narratives are listed below by Topic, Abstract, and Key Words. Take a moment to scan through this webpage, then just use buttons to open a PDF file of selected narrative. |
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Narrative 1:
Topic: My Grandpa’s life story Abstract: My Grandpa was born in Southern California, had a fairly uneventful childhood, then went to San Jose State in the mid 1950’s. After graduating he joined the Army, serving at Fort Ord in Monterey. He never went to war and was discharged in the early 1960’s. He became a shop teacher and got married in 1961. They had three sons and taugh for 30 years. He influenced my Dad and my uncles, which influenced me greatly. Key Words: Southern California, Army, Fort Ord, Teaching, Family |
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Narrative 2:
Topic: Fighting H8 Abstract: The fear campaign staged against marriage equality in California during 2008 was bursting with money. The very character of the state had been hijacked by a religious agenda, apathetic to the cause of equality for all, especially the LGBT community. Proposition 8 had passed due to the very successful brainwashing of the public by the members heading this fight to exclude certain individuals from the right to marry their betrothal. An utter slap in the face, really. Never in the history of time has a group of peoples’ rights been voted on by the general public in a true democracy. In a communist state maybe, but not in a democracy. This assault on our democracy is what brought me into this fight for marriage equality; before my very eyes I was seeing the deterioration of our democracy, crumbling at its core. Regardless of the fact that I am a gay Californian, thus my personal freedoms were under attack, my inducement into this struggle was broader than anything personal. An entire community’s rights were at steak and being threatened by a tyrant that was utilizing their religious beliefs as a scapegoat for all the hatred and absolute lies being spewed like a relentless, dogmatic geyser. The truth was enough for me, and the passing of prop H8 motivated me to take action. I was to be apart of, and submit my full devotion to the new civil rights movement of the 21st century. Key Words: San Francisco, Prop 8, LGBT Community, California, marriage equality, ballot box, discriminatory, hate, hope. |
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Narrative 3:
Topic: The Life of my Grandfather Abstract: My Grandfather came to the United States from Ireland with his family in the 1920’s to try to live the American Dream. My grandfather had a hard time getting a job because all of the racism towards Irish Catholics. During the prohibition of alcohol, my Grandfather’s family set up a small barn to produce moonshine. That’s how they survived the great depression. After the ban of alcohol was lifted, their business didn’t make much money. They barely had enough money to eat. He worked many jobs to try to make a living, but then he fell in love with his future wife. He ended up joining the military and headed over to Korea. He came back from Korea and started his own carpet and vinyl store. Key words: American Dream, Ireland, Racism, depression, Prohibition. |
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Narrative 4:
Topic: 911 Abstract: What started off as a normal day in school would turn out to be one of the most historically significant events in this young man’s life as he becomes a witness to one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in the history of America. That fateful day opened this young man’s eyes to the horrors of war and the ideals of terrorism that would become a part of his everyday life over the next decade. Over the upcoming years this young man would grow a strong sense of patriotism as he grows up in a nation filled with war and controversy. Then out of seemingly nowhere the war that had become such a normal part of his everyday life would seemingly start coming to an end as the death of Osama Bin Laden is celebrated across the nation. This is a perspective that is often overlooked as you read the events of 9-11 through the eyes of a normal American sixth grade boy. Keywords: September 11, 2001, Terrorism, War, Controversy, Perspective, America, Al Qaeda, Taliban, and Patriotism. |
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Narrative 5:
Topic: My grandmother’s fight to survive through WWII. Abstract: WWII affected my grandmother’s life in so many ways. This story of her life shows examples of struggle verse survival, from the childhood years to being an adult with children. Her story shows our basic need to survive when there is nothing offered to us, and how important it is not to give in and give up. It shows the strong woman she was and her determination to raise her children to appreciate what life has to offer and the privilege to go far in life and be able to provide for their families. Key words: WWII, Grandmother, Suffrage, Great Depression, Holocaust, War, Fight for survival, Poor, Accomplishment. |
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Narrative 6:
Topic: My grandma’s journey to the United States. Abstract: My Grandma moved here from Mexico seeking better opportunities. When my moved to the United States she found the opportunities she was looking for. The struggles my Grandma went through were worth it because she got a better life. Keywords: Grandma, Mexico, United States, Opportunities, Choices, Immigration, School, Work |
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Narrative 7:
Topic: My uncle’s response to the tragedy of 9/11. Abstract: The tragedy of 9/11 caused a war that was taking place in Iraq. Unfortunately, for my uncle one of his brothers in law was in the building while the attack was going on, on 9/11. For my uncle he saw this as an opportunity to take action and make a difference. He wasn’t about to stay home and not let any of the victims have some justice. So after deciding to join the war and leaving he came back a different person and with no regrets. He went through many obstacles from not being able to talk or see his family from losing the chance to see the birth of his baby’s and loosing many friends. But in the end he never regretted what decisions he made and is proud to say that he was able to serve his country. Key Words: War, 9/11, Peace and Justice, Victims, Fighting, Difficult Decisions, Military, Opportunities, Rights, Honor and Serve, Iraq, Traumatized, Depressed, Restricting, Sacrifices, Soldier, Army, Historical, Heroic, Honorable, Believed. |
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Narrative 8:
Theme: Economic Hit Abstract: The story is about how my life changed trough many years due to the economies up and downs trough out history. How I had to change my ways of life and how my family had to also change their ways to keep up with the struggles. Trough all hardships and all how my family after a break up got closer and worked together to overcome the economic drama we are still having. The feelings of having to move around so much and never really calling one place home. Keywords: Family, Economy, Money, House, Moving, Home, United States |
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Narrative 9:
Topic: My uncle in Vietnam Abstract: This is a story that the population is all too familiar with; the Vietnam War. The story follows a young man as he was drafted by the Army to defend America from a formidable new enemy. As the story states, this young man will carry out his duties with valor and honor, despite hellish conditions and nightmarish scenarios. War is not only in Vietnam as protests rage across America as people’s perspectives change. Key Words: Vietnam, Uncle, War, Drafted, Duty, America, Perspective |
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Narrative 10:
Topic: War Stories of WWII Abstract: My grandfather enlisted in the navy during WWII after being drafted. He trained in different places across the country until he was ready for war. He was then shipped off to fight for our country in Okinawa, as a turret gunner on an airplane. While there, he encountered malfunctions with his airplane, a typhoon, kamikazes, and the aftermath of an atomic bomb. My grandfather experienced first-hand the struggles of war and the dramatic effects it has on our nation. Key Words: Grandfather, WWII, Navy, Okinawa, Japan, Turret Gunner, Airplane, Typhoon |
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Narrative 11:
Topic: Important times in my life Abstract: My parents are from Durango, Mexico and came to the United States about twenty years ago to have a better life. They want me to succeed in life so they want me to go to school and do good in life. As well do I. one of the happiest moments In my life was when I got my high school diploma. It made me want to more and keep going because it was such a happy time when I got my high school diploma. Now I am going to college and I want to give it my all, to succeed in life. Basketball is something I live for it is one of the things that keeps me going and makes me do better in school. Key words: Durango, Mexico, fields, college, family, hard work, basketball |
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Narrative 12:
Topic: My mother and her struggles as an immigrant Abstract: My mother was born in Juan Aldama Zacatecas, Mexico. She lived a typical life as a humble small town Mexican girl until she immigrated to the United States. Clueless about what was really out there, she decided to join my father and start their journey to the U.S. for a better living. Conscientious that they needed more money and she did not speak English, my mother started to clean houses. Not knowing that knocking from door to door would make her the successful mother she is today. Key Words: language, hard work, living conditions, family, relationships, humbleness, working conditions, self made, |
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Narrative 13:
Topic: My Grandfather participated in marches for The National Farm Workers Association. Abstract: Fieldworkers had many struggles with receiving better working conditions in California. When Cesar Chavez organized the organization known as The National Farm Workers Association, my grandfather decided to join, because he believed it would change the way how fieldworkers would be treated. With risking almost everything, he went on the march to Sacramento and was proud to make a change in his future for his family and him. Key Words: Grandfather, working conditions, fieldwork, activist movement, Cesar Chaves, California, National Farm Workers Association |
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Narrative 14:
TOPIC: My parents struggle coming to the United States from Mexico. ABSTRACT: My parents came to America for a better life. My father came to San Jose, California after my parents had got married. My mother stayed in Mexico because she thought she wouldn’t like it and she would miss her family. She ended up coming to America with my dad. They struggled to find jobs but the soon found jobs. They saw how there was more opportunities here and had my sisters and I. Learning of my parents struggles, just motivates to pursue my education and get a career so I can have a better life and not struggle like my parents did. KEY WORDS: California, Migrating, better life, family, struggles, new start, motivation |
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Narrative 15:
Topic: 9/11 affected people everywhere Abstract: 9/11 was a huge event that affected all of us. Although many of us were not involved we could still feel for those who lost loved ones and we can understand their pain. In some way, each and every one of us relate to the feelings of many people had on that day. Keywords: catastrophe, outcome, plane crash, exploded, 9/11, affected, pain, United States, connected, scared, heroes, devastating |
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Narrative 16:
Topic: My Dad was aboard this ship at the time of the picture. Abstract: After graduation, Dad wasn’t sure what to do; so his friend suggested joining the navy. After dad joined and went through all the training, he got called into active duty and his days as a Navy Reserve came to an end. After Dad finished his training to become a Machinist’s Mate, he boarded the USS FireDrake, AE-14 where he contributed in the transference of ammunition for a whole year. Dad finally came home, obviously grateful for his experience in the Navy. |
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Narrative 17:
Topic: My great grandmothers journey from Arkansas to Oklahoma then finally to Hollister California. Abstract: My great grandmother lived through almost all the changes that happened in the United States. From the reconstruction, industrialization of our nation, the impact of World War II, all the way to witnessing the Attacks of September 11th. This is a story of the struggles and challenges my grandmother and family overcame and their journey to Hollister California. Key Words: Hollister, Poliomyelitis (Polio), Reconstruction, Industrialization, Covered Wagon, WWII, San Benito County, Great Depression, Vietnam War |
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Narrative 18:
Topic: The Day That Changed the World Abstract: Although I was young at the time I can still clearly remember the events that occurred day clearly in my head. The attacks the terrorists left on our country filled the air with an eerie feeling that caused feelings of fear, denial, and confusion. September 11, 2001 known as the darkest day in United States history will never be forgotten and will continue to live forever in our heads. Keywords: terrorism, attacks, country, feelings, emotion, terrorists, East Coast, World trade Center, September 11, 2001 |
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Narrative 19:
Topic: The impact of a traumatic event on three different people’s lives. Abstract: What happened on September 11th affected three different people in different ways. Many emotions were felt due to this horrible tragedy. Different views and experiences were shared because of the World Trade Center and connected three people. Even though it was a horrible day in history it brought peace and a stronger bond between a friendship. Key Words: Americans, Three people, Monumental Day, Tuesday Morning, World Trade Center, New York, Terrorist, September 11th, Sadness, California, Ground Zero Memorial, Afghanistan, U.S. Army. |
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Narrative 20:
Abstract: Grandfather immigrated from Russia in 1935. His family was like thousands of others who wanted to escape and come claim the American dream. They moved to a farm in Colorado. Coyotes were attacking their chickens, so they hunted down and shot the coyote near her den. They realized that they coyote had a litter of five puppies. His grandfather took all five back to the farm and raised them. After taming them they turned out to be great companions and defenders. He cared passionately about the pups because they showed him that even wild animals can be full of compassion and beauty. His grandpa broke the assumption that all immigrants were poor, stupid and unneeded and gained the knowledge of life as well as being proficient. Key Words: United States, Russia, escape, American dream, coyote puppies, amazing animal, beauty and elegance, knowledge of life, immigrants, unneeded. |
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Narrative 21:
Topic: The reason behind my conversion to Christianity Abstract: An immigrant boy from Mexico came to the United States with his step father and his mother. His life began abundantly. He had a beautiful childhood. When he was a younger kid, his whole family gave him all the love in the world. This child played happily all the time with his toys and dogs. Everything started out like a picture perfect life. Until he was ten years old and his grandparents had passed away. His world got twisted. He never got to see them after he moved from Mexico and so his life saw a drastic change. His family was torn, his hope was gone, his mother got depressed and father became a drunk. School was a waste of time, his relationship with his sister was bruised and his future looked dim. The child got in a lot of trouble. And after an argument with his father, the family decided to go to church. There they found comfort and joy. Mother was out of her depression and father soon left alcohol. He barely got in trouble and got back on track. Jesus Christ fixed his life up and church made him a better man. Key words: Mexico, United States, Grandparent’s Death, Depression, Alcohol, School, Jail, Jesus Christ, Hope. |
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Narrative 22:
Topic: Hard times force me to sell my beloved items Abstract: How the hard economic times force me to sell my horse and other stuff. The way things are now has changed my coarse of action in my life and adapting to this new hard lifestyle. Jobs being the hardest thing for me to get over. Key Words: valuables being sold, economy, jobs, horses. |
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Narrative 24:
Topic: Parents coming to America from Mexico with nothing but hope. Abstract: My parents came to America from America with nothing but hope. They were determined to provide education, a better life for their family, my father especially. One day my father finally found a job which made him put his family in the right path, my father also had the desire to learn English. My mother was a hard working women with all her fears of getting deported from work she still went to help support her family. With both of my parents working and earning some money my parents after I was born decided to go back to their Native country Mexico to carry on our traditions. I came back to America when I was 15 years old to learn English and live the American Dream. My parents are my inspiration and role models and thanks to them I know there is no dream that it’s impossible to achieve. Key Words: Language, Family, Future, border, Mexico Determination, La Migra, Fear, Right Path, Illegal, Desperate, Economy, American Dream, Mexican Traditions, Positivism, Willingness, Inspiration. |
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Narrative 25:
Topic: The life experience of a grandfather. Abstract: The story spans the entire life of a beloved grandfather by demonstrating strong themes such as hard work, sacrifice, overcoming loss and love for a family. It begins through Ellis Island, traveled west, shipped overseas and returned home to the west. The grandfather over came several struggles in his birth family and also later in the life in the family that he created. Key Words: Heritage, grandfather, granddaughter, loss, movement, Portuguese, work, teacher, California |
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Narrative 27:
Topic: My parents journey to the United States and its outcome. Abstract: The life my parents had in Mexico was harsh and rural. Their families were bound to farming and illiteracy by the traditions of generations past. Both of my parents dreamed of a better way of life in which the workday didn’t last from sun up to sun down. They decided to take the biggest risk of their lives to come to the U.S. where they might see a slice of the American Dream. The U.S meant opportunity, and after years of struggle, determination, and hard work my parents achieved a better life for themselves and their children. Ultimately their ethics of determination and working hard transpired into myself and my siblings. Key Words: Immigrate, Mexico, United States, Parents, Working, Family, Farming, Agriculture, Work. |
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Narrative 29:
Title: Better Opportunities on the West Coast Abstract: As a child in the 1930s my grandfather lived in Kansas and his family felt the hardships of the dust bowl and The Great Depression. After being laid off from the WPA his parents moved the family to Hollister, California. There my grandfather worked on a ranch and picked fruit to earn money. After graduating from high school he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. Without the move to California my grandfather would not have had the family he has today and they may not have had the success they had, but he did lose touch with some family due to the move. Key Words: Great Depression, Dust Bowl, WPA, ranch, picking fruit, army, family, successful |
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Narrative 30:
Topic: Moving From the Philippines to the United States. Abstract: My family and I faced an unfortunate turn of events that led to our movement from the Philippines to America. Saying goodbye to my family in the Philippines was difficult, but never seeing them again beats any pain I've encountered. When we arrived in the U.S., assimilation was the greatest obstacle; nevertheless, we overcame it. Key Words: Philippines, America, Vacation, Assimilation, Family, New Life |