To the Editor:
Controlling your story is empowering. Everyone has a unique story, a story that defines who you are, where you are from, where you call home, a story that makes you the person you are today. “What you’re going through now is defining who you will become,” said Jean-Michel Dassard. Do you ever feel stuck, lonely, misunderstood, confused, or angry, like you don’t fit in? Well, you are never alone; there is always someone who feels the way you do. Yet, we will never know unless we share our stories with each other. Sharing our stories is vital, and determines how you will gain the strength to keep moving, and how you can provide others with that strength as well. Jean-Michel Dassard said, “Life is a balancing act, if you stop moving forward you’re going to fall.” Jean-Michel is the director of the documentary, “I Learn America,” which is filmed in Brooklyn at the International High School at Lafayette. In this documentary, Jean-Michel finds five courageous students to share their stories with the world. All five students are immigrants who came to the United States in search of a brighter future, better opportunities, and to escape the dangers or injustices of their home countries. They speak of their struggles through their childhood, their everyday lives, and their feelings. “Children of immigration are here to stay; the way we welcome them will determine our future,” Jean-Michel said. When these students came to the U.S. they faced the language barrier, the culture shock, racism, and stereotypes, yet by telling their stories and finding others they can relate to, they find a way to keep going. These heart-touching stories illustrate how difficult life can be and that by sharing our stories, not only do we gain the strength and courage to tell our own but we can see the world from a different person’s point of view, and maybe in turn relate to their story. After watching the documentary, Jean-Michel made a guest appearance at our school. When he came he told us that everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. The 60 kids in that room decided to open up, trust one another, and share their stories. Stories were told, tears were shed, and awareness was discovered. As I sat in the room, there were so many immigration, bullying, frightening, and upsetting stories. I began to believe that I didn’t have a story. I felt guilty for the fact that a lot of my classmates, and friends suffered throughout their childhoods; meanwhile I believe I had a great one. I went home that day and began to dig deep in search of my own story, and just as Jean-Michel said, I have a story that deserves to be heard. This experience opened my eyes not only to discover my own story, but to learn from others as well. Bayonne High School welcomes you to come and see a screening of “I Learn America” on January 7. Not only will there be a screening but some of our very own Bayonne High School students will find the courage to share their own stories with you. Hopefully this experience will allow you to connect and relate to our students, and encourage you to share your story. “Your story is a tool, what you will do with that tool, and how you will share that tool is now up to you,” Jean-Michel said.
KRISTEN BARRERA
Facing History and Ourselves Student/BHS