I was born in the tough, blue-collar area of San Antonio called the West Side. From the time I was ten my family would travel to the Midwest in the summer to harvest the crops that kept Americans fed: from cherries to asparagus and tomatoes to cucumbers. It was not an easy life. We lived in migrant camps, staying in everything from cinder block shacks to a large barn on the farmer's property. We survived tough weather, including snow and dust storms, and walked away from an automobile accident. Through it all, my family believed that a better day was just around the corner. And they were right. After serving in [the] Army I went to college, earned a couple of degrees, and published several books. My father was a naturalized citizen, but he loved his adopted country. We all did -- and still do. I'm glad I was born here despite the hardships
Join all Americans and share your story about your history and your hopes and dreams for the future of our country. Together, we will tell the American story through videos and the most inclusive commemoration in our history.
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.