I asked my teacher, "Where do I start?"
His response was, "From the beginning."
I have taken this little epiphany with me since junior high school. The huge assignment had loomed before me, but now it miraculously formed into conscious thought. This is what I can only imagine those who come to America go through, on a much larger scale. The journey to America is epic and one must break it down to manageable proportions.
Since we should start from the beginning for an epic experience, I will tell you about my neighborhood in a small town. I had rules to follow about being friendly and neighborly. They were simple rules. Sometimes peoples’ neighborliness served them with some limitations. I am hoping to recognize my own limitations and remove them. As a small town, neighbors live together in community. This sounds like any neighborhood in America.
I am in awe of the great wisdom of our Forefathers. I am learning what they left behind and refused to be obedient to. I see the great tyranny that existed at that time and the huge division of class. The result is reflection of my own born freedoms. The earlier Americans have fought great battles of independence, of inequality and famine. They have gained industry and gained the right to vote. The last two hundred years brought inspiring growth to America and I was not part of it.
The Emperor of Japan is quoted as saying that they awakened "a sleeping giant”. I came into my neighborhood after the "sleeping giant" was fully awake. I have only known the Giant to be good and generous.
My students have come a long way to sit next to me because I have the right to choose my leaders. Our foreign born neighbors have similar stories, as our great-grandfathers. They got out from under great tyranny, also. They formed their own neighborhoods and by finding each other, they became their own community. They seek oneness, as Americans. They have gained the freedom of speech, worship, and assembly, etc... the immediate benefit of the Giant. I am inspired to share my blessed life with someone who is in need of the Giant's blessing. Their desire and inspiration is me. Knowing this humbles me and encourages me.
I volunteer because this gives me a great purpose in my own life. The world has heard of our community and desires the blessing of the giant. The giant has a passion for its people. This passion brings change, but most importantly brings change to us. Being American means life was not meant to stand still. Life is good and sacred. I love America and all that she represents for all people: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Julie Hodne volunteers at Adult Basic Education in Warroad, MN. She submitted this story for the 2012 Volunteer Story Contest. Check back soon for another story!
