Nichele Rivera
English 12
Prof. McPherson
6/1/15
My Melting Pot Growing up in America has been one of the most unexpected and surreal experiences. I am only twenty three years old but being from the Big Apple, New York and being raised by single parent, nothing in my life has ever been a walk in the park. I am considered a minority because I am Puerto Rican and African American and it has always been tough for me living in such an urban area. Not having the best financial status is what made thing even harder. My mother had to struggle to make ends meet for me, but we made it and are still making it. I have always seen my neighbors, friends, and family also experience the same hardships as me. Many of the people I know had to fight to make it America, and I mean that figuratively and literally. Some of the people I know weren’t even born here, and became citizens. I even know a few Aliens (immigrants who are living illegally in a country). Just learning to speak, read, and write a new language is a hurdle many who come here can never get over, so imagine having to find somewhere to live or a job to make money to survive. My melting pot country has shown me and taught me many things. I am American, we are as tough as they come. I have always said that being born here is what makes you a true American, and still believe that but, I have also come to see that immigrants venture here from other countries are the strength that America is known for as well. When you are born here, there is way about you. It is recognizable to outsiders because they see a free demeanor in the way that Americans move. We talk a certain slang, and dress however we want, we are also crude and forward too but, I have come to see that even immigrants who migrate here are just as American as us. Maybe not by birth, but by spirit. They are just as much American as me. Just to come here; going