Creative Writing

Characters:
Maria Sanchez
Jennifer Hunter
Chapter Used: XVII(17)- Paper Book
Takes place in Illinois

When Spring came, after that hard winter, one could not get enough of the nimble air. Every morning I awakened with a fresh consciousness that winter was over. The Sanchez’s were now in their new brick house by then. Their family had been building it for the past couple of months. While the dogs drew in the water and nosed each other, and drank again, I saw Maria with that long flowing black hair and tanned skin of a young Mexican girl sitting on the porch. “Hey Maria, how are you?” Did you see the White Sox play last night? “No, Jennifer we don’t have cable because we are new to this town and my family has little money and all of it has to go to the bills.” “Well, I need to ask you something. My mother wants to know if you could go to the semester of school that starts next week over at Jones College Prep High School. She says they have great teachers and you would receive a great education that would help you so you could help your family out with the money.” Maria stood up with great distress and her eyes looking like a river overflowing. “Sorry, Jennifer I do not have time to learn. If I do not work in the house, my family will have little money to survive and we will have no where to go. The women somehow are expected to do everything in the house and if I leave people will look at me funny because I am a Mexican immigrant and they feel that we have no right to be in America. My little brothers might be able to go but the women have to stay and take care of all the business.” Maria then began to walk off as if the world had just ended. As she walked, all I could think about is this young girl throwing away her life away and not being able to live her dream due to the misconceptions that the American people have of Mexican Immigrants. Maria took my hand. “Jennifer, please go to school and learn a lot so some day you may come back and tell me about all the nice things that you were offered. As Maria was talking I began to feel knots in my stomach because I know this is a smart girl that can do anything she can put her mind to but is stopped because people want to give titles such as: Mexican, wetbacks and many others that I know were not true about Maria. When she was almost to a stop, I realized that I will do anything for her so maybe one day she can be the capable person that I know she is. Sure, Maria I will do that for you and if you or your family every need anything, you know you can count on us. I will teach you if you would like and you can learn everything that I learn in school” “Thank you Jennifer and maybe one day as immigrants, we can live our American Dream and enjoy all the wonderful things that society offers.” “Maria, that day will be soon don’t worry because I know you have capability and will do anything that you put your mind to. I have to go back inside now and help my parents but I will never forget what you told me and anytime you need anything, don’t hesitate to come over and ask.” “Ok Jennifer thanks for everything and maybe I will come over soon and try to get some lessons.” “Ok Maria do that and make sure you say Hi to your family and let them know if the boys would like to begin school at the start of the semester, they can come with me” “Ok Thanks, talk to you later.” Bye!