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Dear Readers, ince the beginning, the biggest challenge with StudentsXpress has been being able to pay for the costs of printing, producing and delivering it. With the ongoing conflict of continued funding, I’ve done my best to keep sXp afloat, such as charging subscription fees this year. This change has allowed the magazine to continue reaching students. With the low subscription rate, I believe every school should be able to cover the cost of sXp through their budget, the PTA, the LSC, a small fundraiser or a community partner/sponsor. For the few schools that had trouble coming up with the subscription cost, I set out to find some community sponsors. I would like to thank Bei Dou Kung Fu and Sinai Congregation for stepping up to sponsor two of those schools. If you or anyone you know is interested in helping a new school pay for their subscription through a sponsorship, please contact me. As always, I’d like to thank all of the advertisers in this and every other issue for their support. As I’ve said many times, without the ads, this magazine simply wouldn’t exist. I’d also like to thank all of the people who have donated to StudentsXpress. There are many ways to help, and you can find them on our web site. We are a non-profit organization, and 100% of your donation goes directly to the printing, production and delivery of the magazine. Please check out page 22 to find out how to be a salesperson for StudentsXpress. Work on commission while supporting a great project! I love this issue. Ok, I say that about every issue, but I really enjoyed reading about the students, where they are from and what “family” means to them. This online version contains 16 additional pages! As I mentioned above, it’s very hard to pay for the printing, so it is just impossible for me to include all of the submissions that I receive. The this adaptaion allows me to showcase more of the student work. You can also S read a student reveiw When subm tudents— itting work, write neat of A Christmas please be s ly. Spell ure to Can you find these pictures throughout the magazine? Carol (playing at so I apolog check does not chec iz e if I go t any names k names, Also, if you’ the Goodman There turning in artwork, wrong! paper is th atre) on page 23. e best. And unlined white write your please name on ev Please contact me ery page s ubmitted. if you are interested Thank you! in becoming a student reviewer too!
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Mine is because they have distinctive culture. My family includes me, my four-year-old sister, my mom, and my father. Our family is from a city in China called Shanghai. Although every generation past my parents’ generation was born in China, my sister and I were both born in Chinatown (I am ten and she is four). After my mother and father met in high school, they decided to get married, and decided to move to Chinatown because they used to only be able to speak Mandarin Chinese. My mom works at a high school called Walter Payton, so maybe that is why I love to learn, and I probably love to program because my dad works with computers. In our culture, we love one extremely stereotypical food in China: rice. We also celebrate traditional festivals. For example, we celebrate the Spring Festival and the Moon Festival every year. The city in China where my grandmother lives, Shanghai, is always very busy and crowded in the streets. Although my grandmother lives in Shanghai, my mom and dad grew up in a small poor village maybe about 40-100 miles away from Shanghai. Also, the fact that my mother and father were so poorly educated, but so nice and kind proves that my family will give more, even if we have less. In conclusion, my family is unique because of all the reasons stated above (their culture and their kindness). —Evan C. Rayan
I live with my mom, my dad, and my brother. We have two guinea pigs and one cat. My family is unique because my dad’s from Africa and my mom came from Iowa. Then my dad moved to New York when he was five. He moved there because his dad was in the UN (United Nations). Then my mom finished college and moved to Chicago because she hated Iowa. Meanwhile my dad moved to the same place. Then they met by friends and got married and adopted me and my brother. —Simon D.
Daniel S.
My Grandpa is great, I love him I do, My Grandma is perfect and beautiful too. My Mother cares for me, and feeds me too. My Father plays with me, and I’m like Woo-hoo! My brother is awesome, but I must not forget Always love, and NEVER Regret.
My family has a lot of fun traditions that we do together. One of them is every birthday, we decorate the birthday person’s chair with streamers and balloons, along with a birthday sign. We also have a “special day” plate that we put out for my brother, Cormac, my sister, Mirabella, my mom, my dad or me when it is a special day for us such as a birthday, or any other special day for each one of us. Also, on Christmas morning, we make a special vanilla milkshake with nutmeg that we call “moose milk.” My family and I all have special traditions that we do together, that we will pass on from generation to generation and that have been passed on to us from generation to generation! :) —Tulliah A.
—Natalia C.
—Gianna
My family is from Chicago, Illinois. My family is Black African American descendants. We are spiritually grounded. We are loving. We have kindness and compassion for one another and for mankind, we have strong standards for education, for it is a must. We have discipline, morals and values. We are goal oriented. We are a proud black family reaching for the stars and beyond. My family engages in many activities such as fun filled family outings like Safari Land, mini golf, laser tag, movies, Navy Pier and carnivals. We go out to dinner at voracious diners such as Applebees, Shooters, China Buffet and Friday’s, just to name a few. The most important thing is on Sundays we help my mom cook a homemade dinner at home. —Shane B.
—Summer C. My family is unique because they are very nice to me. Me and my family are from Mississippi and we don’t fight each other or talk about each other because we are family, and we always get along. And we love each other with all of our hearts. Every time I go to their house for our family reunion, we have fun together and we play and we eat and I am very close to my family because I love them with all my heart. And my family doesn’t fight each other. And on my birthday me and my cousins went out to eat and we went to play for a little while and then we went back home to eat the ice cream and cake and my cake had strawberries inside of it. My cake was so good. —Makyla R.
Emily B.
2
Christmas is very special for my family. Every year my grandmother has a party. She bakes us special Christmas cakes and cookies. Everything she bakes has sprinkles and icing. At midnight we all open presents. We do not wake up early on Christmas Day. We celebrate everything Christmas Eve. I like watching everyone open presents. This is my favorite family tradition. —Terrance S.
My family is very warm and cozy. They all let me speak whenever I want and I can tell them whatever I feel like! They make me feel comfortable whenever I’m with them. When I’m with my mom, I always love to play board games, and she reads with me a lot! My dad helps me whenever I need help, he’s basically the smartest person in my life! When I’m with my sister, she always makes me laugh at least 7 times a day. I love my family! —Olivia S.
Michelle H. My family is unique because we are from Poland. Everybody in my family was born in Poland except for me. Only my mom, dad, uncle and me live in the U.S.A. My dog and parrot also live with us. My uncle doesn’t live with us. Even by my last name you can tell I’m Polish. My family has many members—twentyseven to be exact, but two died. All my family loves each other. I celebrate many things, and I eat many Polish foods. What I like about Poland is the people. The people there are very unique. I celebrate all the American holidays, and some Polish ones. My family is very unique, and I’m happy about that. —Casper P.
Megan B.
My culture is Irish and Puerto Rican and my favorite thing about it is that every October 11 we take a trip to Ireland. We also take a trip to my Grandpa’s house and we celebrate with Puerto Rican rice and more. —Makenna W.
Jazlyn
My name is Rowan. My family is of Albanian descent. My father’s family immigrated to the U.S. from Montenegro, Yugoslavia in 1970. My mother is from Albania. She immigrated to the U.S. in 2001. I have a younger brother; his name is Lucas. We both speak Albanian and have traveled to Albania. My favorite Albanian food is grandma’s salad and spinach pie. I love being with my family. Doing everything together makes me happy. —Rowan D.
Winter 2014
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My name is Marilyn. I live in Chicago, Illinois with my mom and dad. My parents moved from Africa, they lived in Ghana. They dance, celebrate, and make music. Music in Ghana has drums and trumpets. They’re having fun and they make food from Ghana. When it’s time to go back to Illinois we pack up. We get on the airplane and tell what was our favorite thing in Ghana. —Marilyn
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My family has my mom as sweet as a tootsie roll and my dad as playful as a puppy. My grandma is as good at quilting as a professional, but my grandpa’s as hard a worker as a beaver building a dam. My nana is a great baker, a professional, but with my Poppey, he is a golfing man. But me, I am the youngest and that is special for me! —Alexandra C. I have a younger brother. His name is Andrew. He is four. He likes pigs. He shares a bedroom with me. I like Minecraft. I like to play football with my dad. I like to go to school. I like to watch TV with my mom and dad. They share than Na a bedroom. We go to Turkey together every other summer. My grandpa lives with our family. I like to watch TV—Tom and Jerry.
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—Landon I am from Davenport and I was born in 2004. Davenport is a beautiful part of Iowa and that is where I grew up. I lived around a lot of birds and nature as the park was on the other side of the street. One of my friends, John, lived across the street from us. We would always play until I moved to Chicago, even though we had a nice house in Davenport. My brother and I would play all types of stuff in our huge basement. Our family would always come to our house and they would stay the night with us. My family had many great times—especially sliding down the hills when it snows. Well this is where I’m from. — Jalaun M. Henry
My family heritage is from Mexico and Honduras. My mom’s family immigrated from Honduras. My dad was born in California, but his family immigrated from Mexico. My sister and I were born in Chicago. It seems to me that I’m a little bit of everything: American, Mexican and Honduran. —Nathan D. Winter 2014
My family is from Chicago because we were born here. What makes my family special is that they are different from other families because when I come home they tell me to do my homework, but if I go to someone’s house, they don’t have to do their homework. And some of our customs are that every Halloween when we are finished we go to a special place. In my family, there is mom, dad, sister and me. My mom is a cooker, and my dad is a factory man. My sister goes to school with me. My mom, sister and me are Puerto Rican and Black. This is a brief description of my family. —Christina A.
Olivia G.
“a great place to grow a human being” T h o u s a n d Wa ve s
Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center, NFP 773.472. 7663 • w w w. t housa ndw a v e s. org
Vivian K. My family is sometimes annoying. They’re very fun. Sometimes we fight (but I always win). But I still love my family no matter WHAT! My sisters, Jamaya, Tariah, and Jah’rae are a pain. Sometimes I wish that I was the only child, but then I think about all the special times we have together. Don’t get me wrong, I love my sisters. My mom gives us things we need, not always what we want. I want a lot of things in the world and she tries her best to get them. I love her and I don’t want anything to happen to her. I love you Jamaya, Tariah, and Jah’rae. I love you, Mom! —Lanaiya P.
Pierson S. I am an eight-year-old American boy with a Eurasian ethnic background. I have a small immediate family made up of my mom, my dad and me. However, I have a very large extended family that includes 28 cousins and 17 aunts and uncles. I am very lucky to have both sets of grandparents too. Something even more special is I have a great grandma on my mom’s side that’s turning one hundred and three this December! I am a mix of nationalities. On my mom’s side I am Filipino, Spanish, German and Scottish. On my dad’s side I am Irish and Swedish. I call my maternal grandparents Lola and Lolo, meaning grandma and grandpa in Tagalog. I call my paternal grandparents Far-mor and Far-Far, meaning father’s mother and father’s father. I am proud of having such a unique family!
Reyna
Jax
My family is unique because my grandma on my dad’s side has seven siblings, three of them live in the Philippines, one lives in Florida, the sunshine state, and my grandma lives here. They all got separated in the Vietnamese war. They got separated. Even now they are separate. —Cherish
Evan A.
My family is unique all in different ways. My dad is a police officer. My mom works for a the CEO of Presence Health. My brother is play to student here at Wildwood and loves football and baseball. Lastly there’s me, and I love to do competitive swimming and I am also a student here at Wildwood. My family has a lot of cultures. Mexican, Guatemalan, Korean, and German, are all the main ones I know. —Lily B.
My mother is Valerie. She emigrated from Ireland to continue her career as a dance teacher. My father is Joe. He was born in Chicago and is a stagehand at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I am an 11-year-old boy who goes to Alcott College Prep. I like swimming, sailing, archery, and video games. I am a member of the student council and the flag football team as well as the debate team. —Tristan T.
4
I have a great family, and I love them. My mom and dad are from Chicago, and my grandparents are from the south, so that makes them Southern. My mom and dad love Chicago. We go to restaurants and places where we could have fun. My mom, my sisters and I stay up and watch TV and videos and dance. One time we had a family reunion, and all of my family came. We had a lot of food and we had fun. My extended family is made up of all these people. Those are things about my family. —Pilar J.
Ashley H. Camya
Jamarius
I have a baby sister. She is funny but she’s mean. She’s funny cause she dresses up like a clown. She’s boss. She tells you what to do. I have a big sister and when my big sister said a bad word, my baby sister said the bad word and sometimes she talks back to my mom. She makes a mess for me to clean up and if we go to the store she runs around. When we went to the mall, it was big. She ran away and we could not find My mother’s maiden name is Heringhaus. her. When we were leaving I found her. She was with Heringhaus is German for “fish house.” Her grandparents are German, so she inherited my big sister. Having a baby sister is difficult but fun. the name. An assumption for why that is —Breyana O. their name is that her ancestors were either My mom is fourth generation American. My dad fishermen or people who sold and cooked is funny and smart. Me and my sister are also fish. Back then, people got their last names funny and smart. My dad is half Mexican and based on their jobs and who they were rehalf Italian. My mom is a small bit Russian and lated to. If, for example, your last name is Hungarian. This is my family. —Scott T. Fisher, that means your ancestors were fishermen or you were one as well. If your name is Anderson, that means you are the son of Cristopher someone named Andrew, or in some cases, Ander. —Sunshine S. My family is very unique. My father is a barber. Because of this, I get free haircuts. He learned this from his uncle. He does his own hair. He is teaching me the trade. He also taught me how to play chess. He is a rapper with my brother. He goes to a studio to record his work. As you can see we have a lot going on. —Dershawn C. Our family is like an egg that we were hatched from. Everything about who we are, both our nature and caring comes from our family. Often in society, we go far away from our family and may not talk to them for years. We may think that we have nothing in common with our family. We may choose to run away from our family because they are too painful to handle. Our past holds the key to our future. If we do not face where we were made from, we will have a hard time understanding our present and our future. —Nikki M. My family consists of many cultures and ethnicities. My mom is African American. She was adopted into an all white family, so my family members are Italian, Polish, Norwegian, and more. On my dad’s side, my ancestors are Native American and African American. I love all my family! —Mya C.
Areli S.
Winter 2014
Harrison S.
Maeve
Pierce
Alexis
Family makes you laugh. Family makes you cry. They say sometimes those who are closest to you bring you down the most. I think that statement is true. How about you? Family brings out the best in you. Sometimes they bring out the worst in you. Family makes you stand tall—believe it or not. Yes, we fight, but at the end of the day we’re close and tight! —India L. How my family celebrates a little Jewish holiday every Friday night called Shabbat: Shabbat is a little holiday where you rest. On Shabbat my dad normally comes home earlier than he normally does. He does this so he can rest and celebrate the little holiday with the rest of the family. To celebrate the holiday my mom makes a very nice dinner and me and my two sisters do a little chores to make the house cleaner. What my mom normally makes for dinner is fish. Now that everyone is home and the table is set my family and I light three candles. We say three blessings and normally get a fun juice and a bread. This bread is not normal though. This bread is special and we only eat it on the holiday; it is called challah. We recite those three blessings then eat the lovely dinner that my mom made. That is the holiday. —Morgan F.
Sebastian Makyla
It was a summer day when I was over at my grandma’s house with nothing to do, walking around thinking of what to do. First I walked past my grandma and mom talking about their birthdays, then I walked past my dad playing his Playstation 4. Next I walked past my brothers in the backyard playing tag, then I went back in the house in the front room to watch Netflix. After that I went upstairs to irritate my aunt because it’s funny when she yells at me and tries to catch me, and then I went in the front room and played my game. Then I went to my friend’s house to ask him if he wants to come outside and play basketball. He said okay and then went in my grandma’s backyard to play. Then I started to play, with my other friends outside. Then it was time for me to go in the house to eat and take a shower. After my shower, I went to sleep. —Jerrod W.
Nikolas
Messiah Winter 2014
Daniel L.
My dad was born in Arizona, which makes him a Westerner. He loves the outdoors and horses. My mom was born in Chicago and we are lucky because we live close to my grandfather. I get to see him all the time. We have five people in our family. I have a brother who is 19 years old and a sister who is 12 years old. It is different in the house when my brother goes to college because it is quiet. My sister and I get to do a lot of things together and I am lucky to have her as a sister. —Maeve O.
My mom was born in New Jersey. My dad was born in Minnesota. I was born in Chicago. My sister was born in Chicago. My grandparents are from Chicago. Not everybody is from Chicago in my family, but most people are. My mother’s mother is from Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico means rich port. When I visited Puerto Rico we climbed a mountain called El Yunque. It had a famous water fall called La Mina. It was in a rain forest. We saw a wild turkey. We went to a restaurant at the bottom of the mountain. I ate beans and rice and ice cream. My grandmother makes rice and beans and it reminded me about my trip to Puerto Rico. —Shane B.
Kaliyah B.
My family is unique in different ways. I have two brothers, one is my twin, and my other brother is older in high school. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a fire fighter. I have a dog. His name is Larry. I call him Lazy Larry. I have a giant family and each year we meet up in Wisconsin Dells. We go to a resort called Sunset Bay. It is on the beach of a lake. I like to go kayaking on the lake My family is mostly Irish. My grandma and grandpa came from Ireland and my dad was born here in the USA and I was born here in Chicago and my brothers too. My mom’s grandma was born in USA. My mom was born in the USA and then me and my brothers. So I’m from Ireland. My family is very funny. My cousins are very funny in many ways. My family travels a lot, for example I’m going to Wisconsin Dells on Friday and I’m going to Mexico for Spring Break, and going to Wisconsin Dells in the summer time. —Kelly O.
My family loves peace but we live in Chicago with all the violence. I’m only 14. That’s where I stand at Boom! Boom! R.I.P. I hate hearing all that anti-Chiraq. My family’s against violence. We just need peace because I want to live my dream. I am still young. I stand tall and proudly, peacefully and my family. Stand up for yourself. —James G.
Jiana
—Cruz
Henry B.
Laila
Part of my culture is Mexican. My dad grew up in Mexico City and speaks Spanish. In our family we like to eat Mexican food like tacos, enchiladas, and Mexican rice. Other things my family does is sometimes we break piñatas and drink rice milk called horchata. Even though I don’t know a lot of Spanish I do know “¡Te amo mas a ti!” We play a game every morning to see who says it first. It means “I love you more.” Sometimes we celebrate Three Kings Day. We have a cake with little dolls in them. Even though we only celebrate with the cake, many Mexican families give people presents. I am glad I can experience Mexican culture and my family. —Titus S. My aunt takes me out to eat at all you can eat buffets. My aunt cares about my grades. My aunt will be unhappy if I get bad grades. My aunt helps me with my homework when I go over to her house. The best thing she bought me was my red bike. I love it my aunt cares about me and I love spending time with her. —David W. My family is unique because they take care of one another. We take care of our grandparents. We cook for my grandmother and run errands because she has a hard time walking. We also help pay her bills. My mom hurt her knee last year. My sister and I help her. We go to the grocery store and Target. We save gas by walking to do our errands. In our family I have learned it is important to take care of my family. —Eric E.
My family is very unique for seve ral reasons. Because if I give or buy my family something for their birthday, it will be unique. Also my family is uniq ue because when I need help doing something, they will help me. My family goes to church. On Mother’s Day, whe n we went to church, my family and I went home and my mom cooked food . This is why my family is unique. —Andre P.
Hello, my name is Ethan. I live in Sauk Village, Matthew E. Illinois. I have a very unique family because we watch “Black-ish” on Wednesdays. Also I have multiple cultures. They are American, Myles M. English and African. I have 1 mom, 2 dads, 4 brothers, 1 sister and I am from Chicago. 7 cousins. My family is My family likes to catch fish. unique because we We like music. spend a lot of time We like ice cream. together and are very —Ciara D. close. —Ethan ina. We as immigrants from Bosnia and Herzegov My parents came to the United States my from ts paren grand two ea, Andr r mom, siste are Serbian. My family consists of my dad, ’s mom my s, dad’s side. I also have two uncle mom’s side, and a grandmother from my My side. dad’s my from cousins and an aunt brother and dad’s brother. I have two first g family back in Bosnia and Serbia. Somethin nded exte my t abou lot a parents talk to me er. summ next ia Bosn and ia Serb to going be t that is really special for me is that I migh the see where my parents are from and to meet This special trip will give me a chance to d calle e danc ian Serb l tiona tradi t my culture is a rest of my family. My favorite thing abou ces. rman perfo for are prep to ys Frida on s time folklor. I practice it every Sunday and some be emade dough that rolls up and inside can hom a k, bure is food l tiona tradi ite favor My P. a tarin —Ka etimes even pumpkin. spinach, cheese, potatoes, or meat. Som
Parker D.
My family is from Chicago. We are Amelia, Mom, Dad, 2 dogs and 1 fish. I am part Japanese. We like to go to the Ginzafest every summer. —Amelia
6
Winter 2014
Joaquin
Kiana
Alexander
Our flag red, white, and blue That one star means the world to many of you Our ethnicity represents who we are A Hispanic culture that wants to go far Many stereotypes have been made of us Loud, no-good people are what will become of us But we prove them wrong, Oh! Yes we do! We strive to do better like all of you. We’re from an island very small But the palm trees stand very tall Looking over the people who judge us, and admiring the people who believe in us. Estmos aqui cara y cara muchos de nosotros Con una raza diferente Hispano, AfroAmericano, Caucasicas, todas las personas en el final del dia Todas iguales. —Mia S. My family is unique because we are from Africa and we speak different languages at home. My family is from South Africa. My favorite thing about my culture is that we like to gather together, sing songs and cook. My family is my baby brother Noah, my mom and dad and me. My dad is from Hammarsdale, South Africa and my mom is from Pietermaritzburg. —Zandie L. My family is nice. I live with five people. I have seven sisters and two brothers. I am one of the youngest sisters. —Janaya A.
Mia J.B.
I love you family. You are the best. I love how you take me to the park. —Campbell
—Kimberly P. Keiry
My family is special. My mom makes food. My brother helps me with my homework. My dad cleans the house and I clean the house with him. My family is from Guatemala. I have a lot of family in Guatemala. I have half of my family in Guatemala, and I have half of my family in Chicago. My family’s names are Carolina, Mavin, Andrew and me.
Winter 2014
Family is always there for you and family is kind. I am very glad that my family is mine! I think that we’re all special, and it’s probably true! My family, I’m always there for you! —Mario L. My family is from Greece and Ireland. My favorite thing about being Greek is having two Easters: Greek and American. My favorite thing about being Irish is going to St. Patrick’s Day parties. My mom, my dad, my brother and two sisters make up my immediate family. —Billy V.
My family is unique because they are good people. Part of my grandma’s family is from Chicago. Some of them are from Tennessee. My culture is country. In Tennessee we have a farm. Sometimes I like to watch the animals. I feed them sometimes when I’m over at Tennessee. My favorite breakfast to eat over there is brown eggs and bacon. I have fun in Tennessee. My mom, dad, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandmas, granddads and I make up my family. That’s —Denisse what my family is like. —Kaniya J. I’m from Chicago IL. I was born here and I still live here from this day. I’m in 6th grade. I don’t live far from my school. I actually live in Lincoln Park where it’s easy to come to school. I live with my mom and dad with my two brothers. I only have one brother that goes to Alcott which is in kindergarten and I have two cousins that go to my school also. Sometimes it’s hard seeing my brother and cousins for 7 hours a day, but I kind of got used to seeing their faces every day. —Vanyce H. My family is different because we don’t waste. We have good talent and put it to good use. We are always respectful. We never waste a good opportunity. We always pursue success, love and happiness. Our roots are strong, we stick together and stand tall like a tree. —Ladon H.
THE TONY AWARD®-WINNING MUSICAL FROM THE CREATORS OF
SOUTH PACIFIC & THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Lucille F.P.
In my family there are four people: my mom, my dad, my sister and me. My mom loves to read, my dad loves to cook, and my sister can always make me laugh. I love my family. My family is from France and Ireland. My dad is from France, and my mom is Irish, but she’s not from Ireland, and me and my sister are from here. A special tradition in my family is that every Thanksgiving my mom’s 8 siblings, their kids, their kids’ kids, and many more people from my mom’s side come to celebrate Thanksgiving, and my birthday! In my French culture we celebrate Bastille Day. On Bastille day there is a parade and we dress up. In my Irish culture we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On St. Patrick’s Day there is also a parade and I spend time with my favorite cousins.
Josie S.
is made up of three members: my mom, my older brother, and me. If you are wondering about my dad, he died of brain cancer three years ago. I am ten years old and I’m in fifth grade and my brother is twelve and is in seventh grade. He is going to be bar mitzvahed this year. My mom is 43 and works in a chocolate company. This is great because there is more chocolate for me! On my mom’s side, there are people who are good with most electronics. On my dad’s side, people are very adventurous, like to prank, and love Six Flags. Also on my mom’s side, my great grandpa is Russian so I am therefore one eighth Russian. —Aaron M. In my family I have a mom, a dad, a dog, a fish, and two little brothers. My mom is from the USA, but my grandma and grandpa from my mom’s side of the family are Filipino. My mom is a pediatrician. She works on sick newborns. My mom is very nice, and helps me on my homework. We always love to play board games together. My dad is from the USA, and so are my grandma and grandpa. My dad works at Northwestern University in the research lab. He is a scientist. My dad is very nice, and plays games with me, like video games and soccer. I had a beta fish named Fin, but he died because of parasites. So I got a fish named Fin, Jr. He is very active and always eats his food. I have a dog named Zeus. My friend helped me pick the name, because he is ferocious, small, and looks like a cloud. He is a small Bichon-Frise mix. He is very active and loves to play. I have two little 4-year-old brothers named Thaddeus and Beauregard. Their nicknames are Tad and Beau. They are nice to have around, but are annoying. They always cry till they get what they want, but are sometimes crazy and funny. That is all about my family, and who makes it up. —Erik D. My family is great Yours is too Family makes us who we are And when I’m with them... My heart starts to beat like crazy I love my family Later in the day I think about them Yes my family’s great —Tyler B.
I love my family Big or small thin or thick Out or in up or down Happy or grumpy gentle or rough Sloppy or neat funny or strict and I love them the way they are —Naomi B.
divorced. My family is from Italy I have a brother, mom and dad. My parents are My family means a lot to me back! me love They . family and Ireland. I love my dison M. because they are the only family I will get. —Ma
My grandparents’ house holds a lot of memories in my life, good and bad. To start, my grandma’s room is about the same size as mine just a little bigger. She has a king or queen sized bed. It was very emotional in that room for me because that is where my grandpa said these last words to me: “You will become an amazing person and do good things, I believe it....” Moving on to the living room, there are also many memories such as looking at my aunt’s, uncles’ and mom’s picture day photos when they were my age. One of the biggest memories in the living room was when my cousin Dylan took his first steps and I was there to witness it. In the backyard, on late summer nights, we played ghost in the graveyard and caught the first fireflies of the season. While K-SHE’95 (St. Louis rock station) was blasting rock music that my grandpa liked, all of us talked about old memories and fights about the most random things! Finally, the basement, where my cousins, my sister Suzy, and I practice for our performances we do every time we come to St. Louis, and every time it’s pretty much the same dance and singing “talent show.” My grandparents’ house is one of the places where memories are locked up like a treasure chest and it’s gold. I hope these memories will last forever. —Charlie N.
8
My family is made up of 8 people. I have two grandmas, two brothers, one siste r, and a mom and dad. My mom is a nurse and my brothers—they always get on my nerves. At the end of the day it’s always peaceful. —Sa de
. We love it here. Me and my family live in Chicago ico. I love my Mex in n bor e My mom and dad wer d when I love I r. siste my family so much, even areli —Y ily. fam my visited Mexico and saw My uncle is 9 yea rs old. We wen t to a water park and saw a hockey play er. We were in Can ada . We stayed at a hote l and ate a lot of pizz a. It was yum my. We also saw The Hobbit the Unexpe cted Jou rney. It was awesome. —Brady
What my family is about is well, my dad’s family is from Ireland which makes me 50% Irish and my dad’s mom comes from Canada which makes me 10% Canadian and my dad’s grandmother (my great grandmother) is from England which makes me 10% English and of course I was born in Evanston, and last but least my mom’s side is from Sweden and that makes me 25% Swedish. And that’s what makes me. My name is Evan. I live in Chicago, Illinois. I am 10 years old, and this is about my family. —Evan D.
Addison W. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and so was my younger brother. My parents were born in Serbia, a country in southeast Europe. I have 4 first cousins; some of them live here and some in Serbia. I love spending time with my family. We play sports in the park together, take camping trips, and play board games. In the winter we go skiing. My favorite holiday, Christmas, is in winter time too. I love Christmas because the whole family gets together, we decorate the house and we get a lot of presents. But in my family we have 2 Christmases: One in December and a Serbian Christmas in January. How great is that? 2 times the fun and 2 times the presents. —Una B. There are eight people in my family. There are my two sisters, brother, my brother’s girlfriend, my nephew, my dad, my mom and me. What makes them special for me is that they make me laugh and they help me when I have problems. All of my family except for my brother’s girlfriend, my nephew and me are from Mexico. My whole family grew up here in Chicago for the last 12 years. My dad, mom, sisters and brother are from Mexico: Michoacán. My family celebrates New Year’s by eating ham and drinking punch. My family celebrates Christmas on January 6th because in Mexico there are three Gods. Their name is “Los Santos Reyes.” —Erika M.
Hello,
my family is from Mexico. My family sometimes eats Mexican food. My dad cooks us enchiladas with green salsa. My mom’s name is Ana and my dad’s name is Jesus. My brother’s name is Arturo. My other brother’s name is also my dad’s name. My mom is 46 and my dad is 40. I am Mexican American. My whole family are Mexican. My mom teaches me what she does in Mexico. It is fun. She teaches me how they add in Mexico. I am happy that my family is from Mexico. I learn what they do in Mexico. I see what they eat, I like the country Mexico. I would want to go visit Mexico some day. I like the women’s dresses because they are colorful. —Eileen U. Winter 2014
because me, my brother, my mom, and my dad all played different sports. My culture is Swedish. I love Swedish meatballs (which are really regular meatballs with a good sauce). My family is made up of my grandma who comes from Sweden; her father’s name was Olaf. My dad has many cultures: Germany, Ireland, Italy and American. My dad went to University of Chicago and he’s really smart. My mom is Swedish and likes to drink a lot of coffee. My brother Jackson LOVES to read. And I am very good at sports. My family is from Sweden, and my mom has a little Swedish cookbook that’s been in her family for generations. —Lily N.
Marian B.
Nico K.
My family is unique because even though we fight we always look out for each other. My family is from many different cultures; here are a few: German, French and Polish. I have many other places my family is from but these are the major ones. My family is an epic adventure. We go camping and drove to California twice. I live in Chicago in a very lovely neighborhood named “Wildwood.” My mom works at Senn High School. My dad works for the Chicago Fire Department. I have a sister named Bella; she is nice and very funny, a brother named Chase; he is handsome and shy, and a brother named Dakota; he is cute and smart even though he is four. My family travels in car everywhere because my mom’s afraid of planes. We have been across the country. I have been to half the states in the U.S. My only wish is for my family to stop fighting. —Aeva S. My family speaks English, Spanish and Chinese, but my dad does not. I got a sister. Her name is Ariana and a brother Carlos—my baby brother and sister. —Moses
Tenley My family is unique because we have two cultures—America and Algeria. Algerians have a great beach and it’s hot a lot of times there because they’re next to the Sahara Desert. Sometimes they walk on the very hot sand! They use tents so you could buy fruits. There are a lot of great foods only I don’t know them all. Algeria doesn’t have any bicycles or cars. —Aya B.
because my grandpa was in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. Also, my other grandpa was a snow plower and I think that is pretty unique. My grandma is from Poland, so my mom is Polish. In my culture we eat this bread stuff on Christmas Eve and this is my favorite part because it is really good. My family consists of my twin Maddie who is eleven, my brother Will who is sixteen, my mother who is forty-seven, and my father who is forty-seven as well. My sister is blond and gets angry very fast. My brother is brunette and is sometimes really nice to me. My mom and dad are both nice to me. My family is all very close and I am from Chicago. —Nathan V. So the people that I live with are my dad, mom, two brothers (one is my twin brother) and my twin sister, me and my dog. There are a variety of reasons but I can only tell you one and that reason is they are there for me and I will be there for them. So let’s start with my dad. He was born in Mexico, grew up in Mexico, but he moved because of my mom. My mom was born in Chicago but grew up in Mexico, then moved back to Chicago. What about me and my siblings? My twin brother, sister and I were born in Chicago but my big brother grew up in Mexico but moved when he was three back to Chicago with us. Our traditions are we open our presents on Christmas exactly on 12:00 at midnight and we eat a Mexican soup bowl called pozole. Then we go outside, make a camp fire and roast up marshmallows and make s’mores. If we get cold, we drink hot chocolate. —Elia V. Amir A.
My family is fun.
I am German, British, Colombian and Canadian. My great grandfather is from Germany, and my great grandmother is from Illinois. My family is from Germany mostly. I think our history is interesting: The Germans were in many wars, and was one of the first developed countries that people lived in. It is fun to learn about. My family consists of many people: me (alive), my sister Maddy (alive), my dad (alive) my mom (alive), my grandmas and grandpas (alive), my aunts, uncles and cousins (all alive). —Parker S.
and I will be telling you about my family. The first person who is special to me is my mom because she was there when I needed her and I am proud that I have her as a mom! My grandpa is important to me because he would give me or buy me whatever I want. My grandma is important to me because she looks out for me like if she was my mom and she is a good secret keeper. My uncle is my buddy, when he wants to be but, yes I do love him because he was there when I needed him. Finally, Brittany, my little sister, is the best sister I ever had but SHE DOES NOT KEEP SECRETS. But she is a nice girl, but a naughty girl joking and she has an attitude, but I have it more. My parents are from Mexico as well as my grandma, grandpa, uncle, mom and me, but Brittany is from CHICAGO. What we do as a tradition is that on Christmas and Thanksgiving we go to someone’s house and have fun. And that is all from me. —Tiffany H. Winter 2014
My family is from Chicago! My mama is very musical! My papa is silly! My sister is a beast! My dog is loud! —Tess
—Andrea
Hello! My name is Zoey B. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, and I live in Chicago, Illinois. My members in my family are my dad, mom, older sister, older brother, little brother, and my grandma. Now let me tell you why I think my family is special and unique to me. My dad and grandma’s side of the family is Native American. Our tribe is Ojibwe and they come from Wisconsin. One of our traditions is a pow-wow. It is in Wisconsin. It’s where you go and celebrate your tribe. But if you want to get in you have to buy a button that costs $7.00 for each button. In the middle there is a stage where people dance. Sometimes I will go dance. You have to wear a dress with beads and bells and if you want, animal skin. Sometimes it takes a long time because people like to do everything handmade. Sometimes it takes about one year or longer. You can buy all different things made. —Zoey B.
Adrian C.
9
Immigration of Family
Jordyn
Sophie K.
In my family there are four people: my mom, my dad, my sister and me. My mom likes to take care of me. My dad is great because he is a good drummer. I have a sister that is only sometimes nice to me. My family is from Poland and Germany. My favorite tradition is going to Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch. One of the reasons I like going to Goebbert’s is that there are camel rides and a jumping pillow and donuts and all that fun stuff. In our Polish culture we have a Christmas where Santa puts candy in our shoes. In conclusion, these are the things that make my family and where I’m from unique! Kailey B.
My name is Kailey, and I have three cultures. My mom is Vietnamese and my dad is British and Irish. My Vietnamese side of the family makes egg rolls, noodles and rice dishes and we celebrate Vietnamese New Year. On my other side of my family we drink tea and eat scones, eggs, toast, sausage rolls, peas and corn and fish and chips. And we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Those are my three cultures! What are yours?
—Luke O.
10
It started in Mexico when my dad’s grandfather left for America. He walked and traveled for days, hours, weeks, months. Then he came here. My mom’s grandpa traveled from Puerto Rico. He traveled to Chicago to make a family. He succeeded to travel. That’s how I came to be! —Cristian C. My family is made up of me, my sister Jade, my mom, and my dad. My dad is Jewish and he is from America. On the other hand, my mom came to the U.S. from Romania when she was about my age. Also, another member of my family is my dog Sadie. We rescued my dog from a shelter when she was 8 weeks old. My family is unique because we celebrate Christmas and Hannukkah. My birthday is in January, which follows those two holidays, so I get triple the presents. —Hayden M.
Mekelet
Family helps you Feeling down, they cheer you up They never leave you —Maggie K. I am Greek, Irish, Scottish, German, and Welsh. Whether I’m eating gyro, shepherd’s pie, or spaetzle, I know that my past is just as important as my future. I love that I’m European and there’s nothing else I’d rather be. —Katerina C.
Hello!
My name is Jakub. I am 10 years old. I was born in Chicago but the rest of my family was born in Poland. Poland is in the middle of Europe. I think Poland is unique because it has small but amazing places. I have a 25-year-old sister named Emily, and a dog and a turtle. Their names are Punia and Bubby, and my mom and my dad. The rest of my family like my grandpa live in Poland. We try to see each other as often as possible. —Jakub J.
Family can mend A broken heart Family can bend The willing soul Family can send The problems away Family helps It fixes It mends It bends Even though things are tough Family can help you find the way —Anna S.
I went to my cousin’s house. I played with the dog Ginny. He is fun and he loves to play with Squeaky, his favorite toy. My cousin’s basement is very organized. Ours is full of junk. I would really like it if ours was too. —Darwin K. My family is nice, better than any price My family is so delightful, and they never make me frightful My family never lets me down, they always make me feel like a happy clown My family is so amazing, they let me go roller skating My family is so crazy they are never lazy [sometimes] My family is so great, they make me feel like I got an i-phone 8 My family is so fun, they make me feel like a home run My family is very smart, they are like abstract art Family, family you are my baseball glove, with my family there is so much love —Andrew M. —what is it? Some people think it is who you live with. Others think it is people who are related to you by blood. I think different. I believe family is who loves you. The people that are always there for you and will never give up on you. Family is not just a thing but a feeling. The feeling of family is knowing someone has your back and you feel safe. It’s that feeling where you know when you fail but someone is still proud. Family is not just by blood, it is also by love. —Bailey H.
I was born into this race I’m Latino Proud And it shows on my face —Luciana G. We’re known for our tortillas Our beans and our rice A few jalapeños Last winter break I went to Jamaica with all of my family. For a touch of spice There was me, my mom, my dad, my sister, my brother, —Rene M. my papa, my grandma, my uncle, my aunt, my other uncle and my other aunt. We stayed at a nice resort where there were around 5 pools, the beach, lots and lots of food, and lots more stuff! At the beach, there were lots of activities —Nina like water skiing, snorkeling, just swimming, and almost anything you can think of! Sophia IT WAS A GREAT TRIP! —Sophie D. —aren’t we all from our skin color to how our family lives. My parents are both different. I mean I am Irish from my mom’s side and Puerto Rican from my dad’s. They were both born and raised in Chicago but my mom’s parents live in Indiana and my dad’s live in Puerto Rico now so it is a fun travel. So yeah we are all different—no matter where you come from and how you live we are all equal. So don’t make fun of someone before you know them because you are just judging them before you know them! —Mia S. Winter 2014
My family are the best people in the world. They make me happy. My family is from Venezuela. My dad died when I was two. I have a sister, mom, little brother, my uncles, my aunts, and my cousins. Gabriela A. I call one of my uncles Dad because I don’t have one. What makes my family unique is that all of them can cook really good Venezuela foods. There’s rice with chicken and potato, also there’s arepas that you can put anything you want inside. I was born in Venezuela. We do this thing called Cook Day. Everyone cooks anything they want and we gather all together. We dance, sing and at last we sit down together and eat food and we talk. That is what I know about my family. Oscar
My mom is from Czech Republic. They don’t have lots of junk food. My dad is from Guatemala. They eat mashed black beans all the time. My dad once made them for my family. They are really good if you eat them with some bread. My mom is not really good with the words in Chicago. My mom doesn’t really know how to say them. Me and my sister are from Chicago. I only know a few words from my mom. They are pretty hard to speak in Czech. My dad is a good cook. He one time cooked this really good soup that was also healthy for you. My mom is more of a fan of healthy food. My dad is a fan of sweets like me. My sister likes soccer like my dad. My mom used to have a dog but it died sadly. We got another one. Her name is Princess. My dad loves her. All my sister wanted was a pet dog and she got one! This is my family! —Lauren H. My dad’s side of the family is very interesting. One My family is unique because my dad was in the war. Since my dad was born in of my uncles is a cowboy; another one of them is Iran, the only way that he could get to America was if he fought in the Iran/Iraq in the air force. He tries to break codes. My mom’s side is interesting too. Her grandparents are very war. So he fought in the war and came to America. My family is from America, Greece and Iran. My dad is from Iran; he was born rich and they escaped the Chinese war in Taiwan. and raised there. My dad’s parents are also from Iran. My mom is from America They eat dogs and frogs. My dad is from Wisconsin as well as me and my brother. My mom is Greek and her parents were born and Norway. That’s what makes me special. What in Greece. makes you special? —Daniel G. I am Greek and Persian (Iranian). My favorite thing about being Greek is probably Easter, because we get to dye eggs red and break them against each other. Camila S. I like being Persian because there is this one holiday where you get to jump over fire. One year my family made about five fires and invited a lot of people over to jump over them. —Zoe T.
is the most important thing What makes my family special is to me, because without my we make tamales every Christfamily I wouldn’t be me. Dimitri mas. My mom is from Mexico but We play sports. They my whole family is from Chicago. show me new things. They My family My favorite thing is we celebrate give me advice. We laugh the Day of the Dead. I like my We are going to the store. and make jokes together. family because they’re special to They make sure I get my me. We celebrate all of the holieducation and tell me what day and we do lots of fun stuff. I will need for the future. My name is Oscar. In the Day of We play outside. We go to the Dead we go see all of our —Marcus fun places. —Pierre P. dead family members over there. My favorite thing about Day of My family is amazing, I will love them forever. They the Dead is when my mom said make me feel good, and no matter what happens they will one day I can see my dead family be by my side. Just like I will be by all of theirs. My family members. never stops no matter what! I have so many relatives. I have 33 cousins on my dad’s Dahlia B. side and 9 on my mom’s side. My dad has 13 brothers and sisters, and my mom has three. My mom’s side all lives in Ireland and England. My dad’s side mostly lives in America. My dad’s name is Martin (Marty). My mom’s name is Shauna. I have two brothers. One is in 4th grade. His name is Connor. My other brother’s name is Gavin. He is in kindergarten. I have a bird named Maxine (Max). He is 3 years old, he is a parakeet. I also have a dog named Rusty. He is newer to our family. He is only 14 weeks. That is all about my family. In conclusion, I love my family. We travel all around to see them! We also have celebrations, like Christmas. My family is so close to my heart and it always will be. —Ashling M. Tyler B. My family is unique because we are Cardinals fans. We are from St. Louis. I come from a big family. I have many cousins. All of them are Cardinals fans. —Liam F.
—David
Winter 2014
I am from Build-a-Bears from Hello Kitty and my bunny Pinky I am from the city of Chicago I am from Christmas with my family from trick-or-treating and from Shopkins I am from the daisies and pretty roses I’m from jumping on trampoline and unwrapping presents Christmas morning and Anavel from Javier I’m from chicken nuggets and waffles from “do your bed” and “do your homework.” I’m Jacqueline G. —Jacqueline G. Hi. My family is from two places. My dad is from Mexico and my mom is from Ecuador. My family doesn’t really celebrate any special holidays. We just are a normal family. We usually eat Mexican food. I have four people in my family including me. —Gabriel M. My family is unique because we all like video games. My family is from Russia. My culture is Jewish and my favorite thing about it is we celebrate a holiday called Hanukkah. —Lena C. Every year my family and I go places. We went to the Universal Circus and Navy Pier. We go to the movies and parties. By the way, I’m from Chicago and I was born in Indiana. Now we don’t like it in Indiana any more but I miss being in Indiana! —Sanaa P. go. me. We live in Chica Mom, Dad, Harry, my e lik I s. vie mo d s an We like to go to game family. —Kirby
My family celebrates the Day of the Dead tradition. When the moon is full, we bring music and delicious different food, like posole. It’s one of our favorite dishes, and another that’s very common is tacos with all types of meats. When we dance to the music we do the Flamenco, and when that’s all done we light fireworks off the ground. My family is unique because when my parents and their family immigrated my mom was 12 and my dad was 14. My mom immigrated with her family, but my dad only immigrated with his older brother. I have many aunties and uncles because my mom’s mom had 11 children and my dad’s mom had 9 children. I also have an older brother. He is 15. My family and I love to have fun together. On holidays and celebrations, one family can bring one pantry of delicious food or eat out. The funny thing about my family is that we always watch singing or music shows. My family is from Vietnam. My parents immigrated in the Vietnam War. I love my family because they care for and love each other. I am from Illinois. —Lauren V. My family is from Mexico and I was born in Mexico. I help my mom speak English, and my mom helps me speak Spanish. My brother helps to play soccer. My brother is 15 years old. My sister is 14 years old. My brother is nice. My sister is pretty. My sister is nice to me. My brother is sometimes mean to me. My dad is strong. —Leo My family is unique because we have red hair and my dad dresses up like a clown every time I have a birthday (but not every time). My dad used to work at Disney World. We have movie night on Friday and it is so fun! —Sidney K.
11
My name is Kayla and I am 10 years old. In my family (my house) I have one brother, Devin, a mom, and a dad. Outside of my home I have two grandparents that live in Palatine, Illinois and two that live in Traverse City, Michigan. My mom has one sister (my Aunt Anne) who has a husband (Uncle Phillip) and two boys. My dad has two sisters—Aunt Julie who has a husband (Uncle Pat) and a daughter, and Aunt Ashley who has a husband (Uncle Eric), one daughter and two boys. Samantha, Brody, Cole and Peyton are my cousins on my dad’s side. I am the oldest cousin out of all. Sam is next oldest at age 9, but I don’t get to see her often because she lives in Arizona. I only see Sam, Brody and Cole once or twice a year because they live so far away. On the other hand Peyton (Aunt Julie’s daughter) lives in New Albany, Indiana so I see them more often. My other cousins, Owen and Isaac are on my mom’s side of the family. They live in La Grange, Illinois so I get to see them most often and for most holidays. Every year we see one side of the family for Christmas and the other for Thanksgiving. Last year we saw my mom’s side of the family for Christmas and my dad’s side for Thanksgiving. This year it is the opposite. I can’t wait for the holidays! My cousin Sam and I have a memory box together. It has many special things inside like necklaces, charms, photos, and more. Every time I miss her I wear one of the necklaces or bracelets. We also write letters to each other just to see what is going on. My family is very important to me. My family is probably different from your family, but that is what makes it special. I have many good memories with my family and I hope to have many more! —Kayla S.
Kiana O.
Alex My family cooks on every holiday. Like on Thanksgiving Day my grandma cooks a whole lot of things. I love everyone in my family. We are a happy family. We have a family that lives all over the United States. Our family goes out of town a lot. Some of our family is from Jackson, Mississippi, from L.A. and Tennessee. My mom is a wonderful mother to me. She does a lot for us and we are from Chicago. —Alicia T.
Natalie
Curt F.
and I will be talking about my family and where I am from. My family is from Bosnia and Herzegovina. My capital town is Sarajevo, the biggest city in Bosnia. I was born in Sarajevo. My country is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. In the central and eastern interior of the country, there are mountains, and in the northwest there are a lot of hills. We have continental climate which means that the summer is very hot and the winter is really cold. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a lot of cultural heritages. Our most known cuisines are cevapi, pita, and baklava. Because climate is so cold and very snowy, my town is known also by XIV Olympic games 1984. Since I wasn’t born during that time, my parents talk to me about the Olympic games that went on there. All the sport players came to my city, Sarajevo, to play the winter Olympic games. I’m very proud what was happening before but there is something that I’m not very proud of. There was a civil war that started in 1992. The town was devastated, lots of people and kids were killed. My Mom and my Dad and their families were in the war too. I don’t know anything about Olympic games or about the war except what my parents told me about, but what I am really proud of is my Bosnian soccer team which represents my country. Go BOSNIAAAAAAAAA! —Amel R.
I have the best family ever.
My family is from Chicago, Illinois. My family is active, which means that they love to move around, play sports and have fun with their life. Me and my family love to do things together. Every summer we go out of town. The events that we do are that we try and play sports together. Even we try to have fun when the girls are losing against the boys. —D’shawn D.
My family teaches me my division and they help me learn them. Now I know all my division and I try to teach my little cousin how to do his division. My family is the best thing that can happen to me. My family is smart. They know a lot. They practice on their math every time they get out of school. My family does not cause any trouble and they try to be nice to people and to each other. My family does not fight each other or no one else. They get each other stuff for certain holidays and they love each other and they’ve never been arrested in life. That’s how good my family is. —Asia S.
Briana Z.
My family is special because every day my family helps me and
never rests. One time there was a bone test and I forgot to study. My mom and dad were not mad. They said let’s study the next day. I passed. My family taught me to not lie and taught me to speak Spanish. My mom and dad let me chose what school I want to go to, so I went to Hamilton school. Next thing I know I’m with friends. I feel like my baby brother would like this family because he would get anything he wants. That’s my family. —Michael My family is from Chicago, Illinois. We like to go out to eat at Pizza Hut and we eat pepperoni pizza and it is good. And we go to Safari Land. You can get on the go cart and bumper cars. It’s so much fun there. And my last and favorite place to go is TOYS R US! It is so fun there because you can buy all types of stuff. And my other best one is T-Mobile because you can buy phones and tablets. —Jamari R. . —Destiny R.
12
Winter 2014
My family lives in Illinois. My dad lives in Mexico. I live in Illinois and I am not from Mexico. Also, I am from Illinois because my mom was born in Illinois. Illinois is important because Illinois has food and kids and school. Also it has things we need for school and family. Illinois is important because they have socks and a lot of other things. Also house and home. Also we have doctors. Also we got money to buy food. I love Illinois because we and other kids have school and we learn a lot. There are best teachers. Illinois is the best because we have family and brothers and sister. Also we have good beds to sleep at. I also have toys to play with. I love Illinois very much. I think Illinois is the best in all! —Valerie T.
Grace F.
My dad is from Ireland. My mom is from Poland. I am American
Oliver M.
Family Fun Times Family fun times are funny fun times Families have fun time road trips to a grama’s a cousin’s Families have fun Fantastic funny furious times.
What makes my family unique is that we have different personalities. My family is from Mexico and Puerto Rico. My cultures are fun. On Christmas the whole family gets together. My favorite thing is that we are making cookies. Who makes up my family is Mom, Dad, uncles, aunts, Grandpa, Grandma, cousins and sister. My family sticks together. Our family understands each other and sometimes gets in fights. —Isabelle S.
In my family there are five people, my mom, my dad, my brother Salim, my grandma and me. My mom is amazing because her voice is beautiful. My dad is awesome because he can really play basketball. My favorite family tradition is going to Indianapolis for Christmas and also in November for Thanksgiving. One reason I like Indianapolis is because I get to see my grandpa, my grandma, my uncle and their dog there. In my culture we celebrate Dia de los Muertos and we get to set up an altar (an altar is a table that you set up for your ancestors). We set up the altar with things your ancestors love.
My mom is the only one I need. You probably need to know how much she means to me. First off, she is my only mom. Her, my sister and brothers of four. A family that I love and need, to protect and hold me from the bad things. —Rayshawn In a cozy house on Jamestown Court, my family and I were all talking, laughing and having a good time. The fireplace was burning, the TV was on and we were all wrapped in cozy blankets. My dad cracked a joke that had us all laughing until tears were coming out of our eyes. The sound of the TV soothed our souls and left us all with a warm sensation. After we finished watching TV, we had dinner. The scrumptious food felt good in our stomachs. Even though we were all so concentrated on eating the scrumptious food, we slowly broke into more conversation. We talked about school, friends, Christmas presents, family, and everything happy. Later that night, we said our goodnights along with prayers, and we all went to sleep with a happy soul. Going to bed, I remembered feeling cozy and happy because I was with the people that I love and care about. Looking back, I realized how much I love and appreciate my family. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I wouldn’t be as happy as I am today. —Queen H. —Zakal
Allyson V.
My family and I do lots of cool things like going to restaurants, parties, etc. When I am at my dad’s house I play my video games and we go to places like the mall. My dad buys me lots and lots of cool stuff like toys and video games. My dad is the best and I love him. My mom always helps me with my homework and she is a really good cook. My mom makes rice and BBQ and she has an unclean room. Her favorite stores are Lane Bryant, Forever 21, Walmart, Jewel Osco, and Walgreens. My mom is a great helper and she is the best. This is my family and I love them. —Ezekiel C. y. He speaks Italian. My dad is from Rome, Ital good. Fact: Their so is re Fact: Their food the is pasta. I stayed in favorite famous food there ning Italian in this Rome, Italy for two years lear They helped me li. nel school called Teresa Spi mother has alMy e. som awe learn Italian. It was born in St. Louis. ways spoken English. She was se in Aviston. hou e My grandma lives in the sam He loves the y. Ital e, Rom in My dad was born ghetti and meatfood there. His favorite is spa balls and lasagna. —Sofia
Elle
I love my family because they give me kisses and hugs Winter 2014
Nicole B.
My family plays gam es with m like Old M e aid and o ther types games. M of y family g o es to diffe ent kinds rof p and Miam laces like Michiga n i and it’s because fun there we crack nuts the in Michig re an. My fa mily goes stores an to d they b uy fruit, and bread milk . —Ameli a A.
My family comes from different parts of the United States. My family has four people in it: my dad, my mom, my brother and me. My dad was born in Connecticut. My mom was born in Cincinnati. My brother and I were born in Virginia. My family loves to travel! We once went to Mexico to visit one of our very good friends. Her name is Jill but we call her Aunt Jill because she is a very close friend. She is like family. We consider her children our cousins. My family has a lot of extended family! On my mom’s side of the family, I have nine cousins and six aunts and uncles. On my dad’s side, I have three cousins and two aunts and uncles. My family is very big, and that’s what makes it unique! About every other week on Friday night, our family has movie nights. We watch some of our favorite movies and have popcorn and pizza. Sometimes we play board games and we always stay up later than usual. It is so much fun! That’s what I love about my family! —Abigail H.
What makes my family unique is that on Sundays, we would always agree on what we do together, like watch a movie or play games together or go to the water park. My family is from Ecuador, and Ecuador is located in South America. My dad’s side is from Cuenca, and my mom’s side is from Quito, which is the capital. Even though we always fight a lot, I’m lucky I have a beautiful and wonderful family! Adam B.
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Isabella
My family is kind. They are sweet, too. They got me thinking what should I do? They make me happy. They make me sad, but the best part of my life is spending my time with them. —Kaitlin K.
and my family is from two different countries. I am half Polish and half Albanian. My mom is my Polish part. My mom was born in Brzeg, a small city in Poland with a population of 38,000 people. My babcia, my grandma, met my dzidek (ja-dek), my grandpa, in the same city my mom grew up in. My grandma moved to Brzeg from the small village Brzesko, which is close to one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakov. My grandpa moved there from Lviv which before World War II belonged to Poland, and now is part of Ukraine. Poland is located in Europe between Germany, Belarus and Ukraine. My dad is my Albanian part. He was born in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. His parents moved to Tirana from different parts of Albania. Albania is located east of the Adriatic Sea. It is surrounded by Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro. My parents moved to Chicago over twenty years ago. Then they had not only me but my two older sisters also. My family and I have gone to different states. My mom keeps telling me that we went to Michigan but I don’t believe her because I was really little. Some states we went to are Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, and Indiana. —Alba I.
Dylan R.
and I’m from Denmark which means I’m Danish. Denmark is a small country in Scandinavia which is in Europe. Denmark is close to Germany, Sweden, Norway and England. Denmark is known by H. C. Andersen, the Vikings that discovered the North America, and it is a fact that we are the happiest country in the world. We are also known for design like Georg Jensen, Lego, and B&O. Our culture in Denmark is Christian and we teach it in school because it is our state religion. We have a government but no president because we have a queen. We are democratic and we often vote. Our country is very old and we have many traditions. Most of the traditions have to do with eating. We love food and we love sharing meals with our families. My family is all Danish and we can find papers on a farmer named Jens in 1444. And as far as we know we have only mixed with some Swedish and Norwegian. My great great great great great great grandfather was Tordenskjold, a navy hero and if you find a picture of a Danish matchbox he is on there. He is really known in Norway and in Denmark and fought against the Swedish. This essay explains a little about Denmark, my culture, and my family. —Jens T.
“Mio familia Italiano” means my Italian family in Italian. It doesn’t get much more Italiano than my familia. Most of my family is Italian and my Nona was born in Sardegna, Italy. Nona means grandma in Italian. I traveled to Italy but I was only one year old so I don’t remember it, but my Nona has told all about the Italian family culture. Some things that are cool about being in an Italian family are families all live in the same house, even grandparents. My cousins in Italy live with their parents until they are married. The houses have been passed down from one generation to the next, so no one really has to buy a house. My aunts in Italy cook a lot and no one really eats out—only for special occasions. What I love about my Italian family here in America is that we are all very close. My mom has 12 first cousins. We all love seeing each other and getting the family together. Everybody goes to every celebration: birthdays, christenings, engagement parties etc. At our last Christmas dinner at my Uncle Joe’s we had 40 family members at the table talking away. Speaking of dinners, one of the parts of being in an Italian family is the amazing food. Some foods include a variety of pastas, breaded meats, and specialty dishes such as risotto. My Nona makes the best pasta sauce I have ever tasted; she cooks it on the stove for hours. When she was growing up, it was a tradition to cook the pasta sauce on Sundays and eat dinner with your family. In the end, being part of an Italiano familia is FANTASTICO! CIAO! —Alex D.
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Eleanor
Recently my uncle came back from Panama because he is in the Peace Corps. I asked him what families were like in Panama. Q1: What are some customs that families do in Panama? A1: The families always eat together, and they go to work together, they weed rice together. Younger family members go to dances together. Q2: What do families do around the holidays? A2: They cook together, and no one can eat until midnight. His neighbor runs up and down the street with her suitcase to indicate that she will travel in the year to come. They set off fireworks, they listen to loud music and dance. Q3: What do families like to eat? A3: Lower income families only eat rice and casava, a root, while the richer folk eat chicken, rice, beet and potato salad, and a true yam stew. They also told me that at funerals they will bury the person and take all their things but they will rip it up. It may be a sign of letting go or they just don’t want people to dig them up or take their stuff. Panama has many interesting family traditions. It would be fun to go there and experience different cultures. —Brantley L.
Charlotte
Winter 2014
Hi. My name is Abriana. I am eleven years old. You know I always thought I was going to be a princess, be famous and have the biggest family in the world, but not so much anymore. My great grandma has been switching back and forth from the hospital and the nursing home. My grandpa is in the nursing home. Both on my mom’s side, so I’m pretty sure she is sad. My great grandma is 100 years old, and I love her. Let’s get to the happy stuff. I have many nationalities, such as Marko B. Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Latvian, Italian, Austrian, Mexican and My family and I love each other “American” (which is not technically a nationality, but you know). very much. In my family, I have my My family is more than I ever asked and they love me. mom Iva, my dad Marko, my sister My mom and dad met in college. Their friends got them together. Bruna, and my mom is pregnant, so They started by dating. My mom would watch my dad run the track. one more girl, Tara. You think we’re Love. They loved each other with all their heart so they had my missing somebody, yes! Me, Marko. sister (at 21). So my sister is now 15 and my mom is thirty-seven. We are from Croatia. Just like Marko My dad is thirty-eight. Four and a half years later they had me. My Polo. Things that I like about my mom was 26 then. One tradition I have is at the Kris Kringle Fest we family is that we are very nice. always get a Christmas ornament. This is my family! —Abriana R.
My family is a lovely family. My family is an adventure. I live in an average house in a good neighborhood where the evil of this city is locked out. I was born in Chicago, IL, and I lived here ever since. My dad works for a health care company. My mom works at my school, Wildwood School. My sister is Ava, and she is in fourth grade and is very funny. My name is Max and my family’s last name is German. It means stone. My dad’s side of the family is German and my mom is Austrian with a little Irish. My oma (grandma) lives in Wisconsin and is from Germany. My dad and my opa (grandpa) were also born in Germany. I visited Germany last summer and the views were great! The food I wasn’t used to because I usually just eat American food. On my mom’s side I have a lovely grampa and grandma. I get a lot of presents from them during Christmas. They live in Michigan on Lake Michigan. My grampa has a pier, so in the summer I jump off the pier. It’s very cold. The beach is so relaxing. My dad is awesome because he always takes me to Blackhawk games and Packer games in the fall. My cousin Doug is one year older than me but we look like twins! We also have the same love for things. He lives in Naperville and has a brother named Devin and is in second grade. I also have a cousin named Travis who is funny and lives in Wisconsin only a couple miles from my oma. He is awesome and is an only child. —Max S. I had a baby brother last year. Having a baby brother makes me more special. I feed my baby brother and I have to clean up my baby brother. I play with my baby brother. When my baby brother cries I make silly faces, then my baby brother stops crying and my baby brother starts laughing. Taking care of my baby brother has made me special. —Miracle S.
Lily W. My ancestors come from Russia, Germany and England. Some were Native Americans in New York. They all came to the U.S.A., bringing their beliefs with them. That’s why I’m half Jewish and half Christian. But that doesn’t mean I go to church or temple. My favorite food is for Hannukah. That’s when I eat latkes. You might know them as potato pancakes. They’re great with sour cream and applesauce. I also like matza bread. It’s more like crackers. It’s when Moses freed Egyptian slaves, but they didn’t have time to make bread, so they put dough on their backs. We all know about Christmas and Easter. Hannukah is lighting eight candles. For the Jewish New Year, you dip apples in honey.
Hi, my name is Claire. I came here to tell
you little bit about my culture. I grew up in Chicago, but my mom has a different story. She grew up in Maine. My mom loves lobster, so I do too. Also, my dad grew up not too far away, in Ohio. His parents love to travel, so we have an annual trip to Mexico. So now you know about my culture. —Claire A.
—Mia D.
Winter 2014
I think family isn’t just people who you’re related to, it’s also your dearest friends. The people who’ve been with you throughout thick and thin. The ones who cared about you most. —Sophia C.
—Isaac M.
Mothers, they seem like they’re just there to yell at you Believe me, but they’re there for you Mothers, their pain is unexplainable but they don’t show it just so that you can grow Mothers, we know we take them for granted but they just want to give you the best life possible. Mothers, they beg you for good grades, but think about it, it’s not for them, it’s for you. Mothers, we know only the happy side of them but when they cry, you cry too. —Seema A. Part of my family is from a country called Indonesia. Indonesia is the 10th biggest country in square miles and it has more than 13,000 islands! It is the country with the most islands. Indonesia is home to many animals such as Sumatran Tigers., Komodo Dragons, Draco Lizards, Spitting Cobras, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Clouded Leopards, Asian elephants and Tarsirs, which are just to name a few. Indonesia is a country with lots of attractions like Bali. Indonesia is very nice. —Simon O.
I am going to be writing about how it’s like to be Mexican American. I picked three categories to write about, one language, two food, three music. The first reason is the language. Some Mexican Americans don’t learn Spanish or it’s easy. For me it’s hard. I only understand a little bit. When my mom gets angry she talks in Spanish. And the reason why she does that is when she speaks Spanish I don’t understand her and it gets annoying. Also when my family gathers for dinner they have conversations that are in Spanish. The second reason is food. We often eat Hispanic food but not all the time. Here is a list of some Hispanic foods that my family eats: chipotle, tacos, pozole, tamales, chilaquiles, etc. But I am also American, so I also eat American food like hamburgers, hot dogs, burritos, etc. The last reason is music. I hear Hispanic music all the time and I was pretty much raised in it. I wake up every morning and hear Hispanic music and it gets me up for the day. In the car you will hear ALL types of Hispanic music in my mom’s phone. When she drops me off at school the song that she was playing would get stuck in my head. That is what it is like to be Mexican American, and I hope you liked what it is like to be a Mexican American. Thank you for reading. —Alicia A. Mom to Dad to Grandma to Grandpa, they’re all part of your family. Our families are unique in different ways. We have holidays that people do not celebrate and birthdays that are on different days. Always stand up for your cousins, dad, grandpa and grandma. Some of my family members are from Kenosha and Michigan. Some family members you never meet and there are some that you are always with. —Reese W.
—Nathan O.
15
Emma K.
What makes my family unique is that my mom is from Germany. A lot of my family lives in Germany. Some of my family lives in Arizona and some of my family lives in Bloomington, Illinois. I usually go to Germany every year for the summer. We go to Arizona in the winter every year, too. Sometimes we go to Bloomington. I love my family. My family is spread out and I like that. Then I can always travel. My family also likes ice cream. Yummm! My family also loves sports. We love soccer the most. That is why my family is unique. Hi. My name is Amir. I am 11 years old and I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I have one sister who is 12 years older than me. She is an awesome sister. My parents are from Eastern Europe—a country called Bosnia and Herzegovina. They take me with every summer to see my family over there. I always have a great time visiting because there’s a lot of things to do over there and I love seeing and exploring new things. Since we go to the capital and largest city in Bosnia, Sarajevo, it is a beautiful city with amazing sights and things that you can do. Back home in Chicago, IL, I live in a neighborhood called Lincoln Park for over 10 years now and it’s a nice place to live because it’s in the city and it’s 10 minutes north of downtown. There are numerous things to do here; you can go to the zoo, the conservatory (both free), there is also the Chicago History Museum, the Lake Michigan and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. I live in an apartment 5-story building close to Alcott school. On my free time I like to go the park and play soccer with my sister. My favorite soccer player is Izet Hajrovic. He plays for the club Galatasary International team Bosnia and Herzegovina. My other favorite player is Zlatan Ibrahimovic who plays for the PSG Club. My favorite football player is Jay Cutler. I also like to play minecraft on the computer and xbox. My hobbies are drawing, playing soccer, writing, making people around me laugh, and working with technology of any kind. I guess you can say I am a computer geek. When I grow up I want to be a computer/software engineer, I love working with computers and building them. I will work really hard on making my dream come true. —Amir F.
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Ada L.
Julia K.
In my family there are five people, my mom, my dads, my sister and me. My mom likes to travel. My dad likes to cook. My other dad likes to sing, and my sister likes to play with dolls. My mom is from Germany. My dad is from China. My other dad is French and Irish, but me and my sister are all. My favorite memory about my family is when my mom and dad got married.
My dad is the one in the first picture. He loves to work on the computer, and he is Irish. My sister is the one in the second picture. She loves to read! My mom is the one in the third picture. She loves to help in fundraisers, cleans dishes, and she is German. I’m the one in the fourth picture, yes me Julia. I love unicorns. I think of strange ideas and love to camp.
My family is unique because my mom is short, my dad is average and I am tall Once upon a time there was a family. They
were a very happy family that lived in Germany. The parents had a daughter that was eight and another daughter that was four years old. One day their mother received an offer for a job in the U.S.A. The mother wanted to take it, so they decided to move to Chicago, Illinois. It was a long journey for all of them. They found a house and the entire family moved in. They decided to get a dog; her name was Phoebe. The kids started to go to school and the parents went to work. They became used to the culture of America, but still the children struggled with the language, but eventually their English improved. Over time the once strange country became their home, and they lived happily ever after! —Gwendolyn G.
compared to them two. My dad met a guy named Jerry in 8th grade and my mom met a girl named Alice in college. Alice had a friend named Karina who became friends with my mom, and Karina’s cousin was a co-worker of Jerry at McDonald’s and my parents met through them. My dad has brown hair and eyes. My dad is fifty-one years old. My dad’s hair was blonde when he was a kid. My dad was born in Evanston. He grew up in Northbrook. He has an older sister named Ann and an older brother named David. My dad’s name is Andy. My dad is Welsh, Swedish, English and Scotch Irish. My mom has black/silver hair and brown eyes. My mom is fifty years old. When my mom was three her parents got divorced. Then, my grandma (who I call Honey) and my grandpa (Grandpa Bill) got remarried. Grandpa Bill and his wife had two girls, Alexa and Tracy. Then, both of my grandparents got divorced and remarried. Honey married Spiffy who had two sons, Keith and Kurt, and Grandpa Bill got married to Diane who also had two sons. My mom was born in Texas and she got to Chicago because Spiffy lived there. My mom is Spanish, Mexican, French and German. And now about me. My name is Rebecca. Most people call me Becca. I am twelve years old. I live in Chicago, IL. I am in sixth grade and I go to Wildwood World Magnet School. I live with my parents and my cat and this is about my family. —Rebecca J.
My name is Luke, and I was born in Chicago, Illinois. I was born June 9th, 2004. I have three brothers and two sisters; their names are Dannielle, Braydan, Jack, Landon, and Tessa. My mom’s name is Annmarie, and my dad’s name is Paul. I play a lot of sports such as, football, basketball, and running. I like to build legos and design things on computers and draw. So that was some things I do. —Luke G.
rs and 5 My family is unique because my dad has 6 brothe aunts. and uncles 20 sisters. I have many cousins. I have like . My Ireland in born was other My dad is Irish. My grandm their of est young the are dad and mom My se. mom is Chine family. —William S.
Jacob M.
Aiko Y.
Bella G.
Winter 2014
Da’Meah B. Dajah H. Nicole B.
—Devin A. There are many things to do with your family. There are many places families are from. Just like mine! My mom is from Germany, and my dad is from Ireland. I always celebrate half-birthdays with my family, and we would make stories and act out for each other. Every Halloween, after we go trickor-treating, we go to my friend’s house and celebrate for the people we know who have died. And every summer we go to at least one nature sanctuary and camp there. See, I bet you can find something unique about your family like I did! —Caileigh W.
Some of my family members are from Puerto Rico and me, my mom and my sisters were born in Chicago. My sister’s name’s are Jamary, Liz and me. I love them to death even though they are sometimes a little crazy and annoying but I have kind of been dealing with that so I really don’t care no more. My family is unique because sometimes we all go out to dinner together and for any holiday we usually invite my family over and spend time together and if we don’t do that then we go to a fancy restaurant and dress up really nicely and eat some really good food like yellow rice with some steak I love my mom and dad and they love me. We all go out somewhere fun potatoes and some pink beans. I am Puerto Rican and Cuban and we don’t really have diflike when we went to a bird walk and saw a chipmunk. We all love each other. We even go to the zoo and ride our bikes. My mom and dad help ferent holidays as American people. What I do like about my culture is the food and my favorite kind of food is my mom’s and teach me how to ride my two-wheeler. —Katya S. soup. She puts noodles, potatoes, chicken and some spicy I love my family. I love my mom and dad and sister. My mom’s name is stuff that is so delicious. Also, most Puerto Ricans love spicy Sarah. My dad’s name is Andey. My sister’s name is Abbie. On Thursday things, especially me. I love spicy stuff like I love jalapeños. I like to eat them by themselves. my grandma and grampa and aunt are coming to Chicago! —Silvie G. I am from Chicago and I love my siblings even though we may fight a lot. Sometimes they baby me because I am the youngest one. My sisters like to go shopping a lot and they take me with and my niece and before they go shopping they ask us if we want anything to eat so they don’t have to buy us —Lincoln clothes or shoes. —Marie S.
What I know about my family is that me and my cousins always be with each other—when my grandad died we even made him a song. That’s what we do for every member of our family that dies. We make them a song, and we would play it at their funeral. That’s just what we like to do for family.
—Anton B.
My family is cool. My family is nice. They are the only people I see day and night. My mom, my sister, my daddy and more. My family is so sweet. I love them even more. So have fun with your family. I know I do. Love your family more than you. —Mia G.
Haikus: Family is great What would you do without them They love you and care
Aaliyah E.
—Sadie
Brother or Sister They will never leave your side Never forget them —Maggie K. —Timothy M.
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—Fredrick S.
—Atlantis T.
Winter 2014
My family is unique because we have fun with each other. My mom and dad are from Mexico. Me and my sisters are from Chicago. My family is Hispanic and my favorite thing about it is that I speak another language. I live with my sisters Valentina and Luciana and my mom and dad. —Isabela F.
My family is amazing. They go out of this world to get me what I need and I would do the same for them. They make my heart skip a beat when they’re around. —Tashan’le L.
my family is awesome we are also bosom my family is fun it is like a pun because we are so fun I have one brother one dog one mom and one dad it’s just us 5 cuddled up on a couch on Christmas night with the tv on and the fireplace burning and last but not least me and my brother always fight —Peyton P.
17
Ireland, United KingMost of my ancestors are European. My family is from Italian. My dad is and an dom, Wales, and Italy. My mom is mostly Americ on Christmas of n traditio a have We . mostly Irish and American and English like turkey. On don’t I e becaus sides eat only I , sgiving eating ham! On Thank —Maggie S. e. some Easters we eat ‘al fresco,’ the Italian word for outsid
Leila B.
My family is unique because we always have fun no matter what. And we have fun baking. And we are funny. We are flexible. And we love to help. My mom is from the south side of Chicago. My dad is from Crystal Lake. Theo and I were born in Chicago. My last name is Irish. My family owns a farm. We are going to paint it red. We have fun with our neighbors Indra and Lazlo. —Nina M. My family comes from Virginia and Ireland. My family is made up of Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother and my cat and more. O! And my family helps the world of science and keeps us safe. My family is the one I’ve got and I work hard to support it. I am proud to be in my family! —Whitman K.
Ivy
Isabella B.
Korede
Elliott K.
18
Over the summer, in 2014, I went to Romania. I went all by myself, but most of my family lives in Romania and it was great to be with them. It was nice flying for the first time by myself for approximately 12 hours. I did have to switch airplanes once from Romania to Warsaw then from Warsaw to Chicago. But, forget about that jazz. I’m here to tell you about my awesome trip to Romania this summer and the memories this trip made for me. Early June, I was getting prepared for Romania. I was really excited to go, except I wouldn’t be seeing my parents for about two months. But it was okay because, like I said, I have a lot of family and friends there. When it was time, me and my parents went to the airport. We said our goodbyes and I was off to Romania! I was extremely happy and excited to get there and see my family. I was an “Unaccompanied Minor,” so someone escorted me and the other UMs through the airport. The plane ride from Chicago to Warsaw was really good, plus there were games, movies and other fun stuff to do on the plane. In Warsaw, I took another plane that was smaller and not as great as the other plane, but that’s because it was a short flight to Romania. Once I got to Romania I was picked up from the airport and we went to my cousins’ house, and that’s where the fun starts. While I was in Romania we did lots of cool and fun activities. For one, I got to go to Snagov. There, my cousins are building a house by the lake and they have get skis and a boat. I got to ride on both, the jet skis and on the boat. We also went on the lake and met up with friends, went to their houses, went to parties, and other really fun stuff. Sometimes, we slept over at my cousins’ friends’ house. One time, we even slept on their friends’ boat because it has a nice place to sleep in. I also went to the mall with my cousins a lot while I was there. There were many great and awesome malls in Romania. We got to see many movies, eat there, and shop. One time, we even went bowling and played at the arcade. A couple times, me and my cousins just went for walks or bike rides thoughout the city. I got to go to some places like “Centrul Vechi” and “Parcul Tineretului” which are pretty well known and fun to go to, especially when you’re with your cousins and family. In Romania, there is a water park called “Divertiland.” I also got to go there with some of my cousins and family. Divertiland has a wave pool, a lazy river, slides, “restaurants” and many more fun things to do. I mostly liked to hang out in the lazy river and the wave pool, but the slides were cool too. A lot of the slides were really fast and crazy. When August twenty-third came, I had to go back to Chicago. I was sad and happy at the same time, because I knew that I would miss Romania a TON, but I was also happy that I would see my parents again after that long vacation without them. When the time came, we said our goodbyes, gave our hugs and kisses, and we drove to the airport. I went back, from Romania to Warsaw and from Warsaw to Chicago. I was glad to see my parents and the apartment again, but I was already missing Romania. —Paul A.
Carly S.
My family is unique. Each and every one of my family members does something special. My family is from Italy. My favorite thing about my culture is that I learn something new every day. My mom works very hard and she cleans and cooks. My step-dad is a police officer. He protects Chicago. My sister is seventeen. She is really good at math. My family surprised me on my birthday and took me to an amazing circus. They had awesome acrobats! My grandpa is a very good painter. He painted signs for several restaurants. My grandma was the best. She was always caring and sweet. She loved me a lot. My great uncle built a plan at the Science and Industry Museum. My Aunt Nancy is very kind. She took me to see a very funny play called “The Spelling Bee!” My uncle is a very smart attorney. My cousin Sarah is a tour leader at a museum. My cousin Scott is a waiter at a restaurant. My baby cousin Beth is a miracle. She is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I love her so much! I live with my big sisters and my mom and dad. I am Mexican because my parents were born in Mexico. My family is unique because they are funny and make me laugh. —Luciana F.
My family is Spanish, Mexican and Colombian and I have a brother, sister and mom and dad and me. I love my family and my family loves me. We always play games and have fun. My brother’s name is Davvid and my sister’s name is Yazmin. —Krista C.
—Lagan
Ruby G.F.
Winter 2014
In 1948, my grandma (who was 13 years old), her 8 siblings, and her parents and grandparents left Qing Dao Feng Dong province in China’s mainland to go to Taiwan. They had to do this because they knew that very soon the Communists would take over all of mainland China, and they didn’t want to live in a country controlled by Communists. During World War ll, the Japanese made Taiwan a part of their country, so my grandma’s family knew that they would be safe from Communists there. My grandma lived in a huge house when she was in China’s mainland, with elegant red velvet curtains and nannies and servants to cook and clean, but little did she know that once she reached Taiwan things would be much different. My grandma and her family left almost all of their belongings behind and boarded a big steamboat called the Fu Xing, and it was packed full of people. There were no cabins and barely any room on deck. Finally, after half an hour of searching around, they found a place on deck. Unfortunately they found out the hard way that when the boat starts, that part of the deck floods with water! Dripping wet and with no place to go, my great-great-great grandpa, who knew the captain of the ship, went to him and asked where they could stay. The captain said that they could stay in his cabin, and he would find another place. Finally, the exhausted travelers reached Taiwan. Everything was completely different there. Taiwan is semi-tropical, but my grandma and her family were dressed for much cooler temperatures. They shed many layers of clothing, but they were still hot. My great-great-great grandpa found the friend he had been looking for since they left the Fu Xing and the friend served them their first Taiwanese meal. By the time the papaya was brought out, everyone was extremely full and happy that they had finally made it to Taiwan. Just as the papaya was being served, my grandma almost screamed because she had never seen a papaya before. She thought that the little black seeds were black worms! At first she refused to eat the papaya, even after the seeds were removed, but after much convincing she agreed to try it. It turned out that she liked it a lot! There were many language barriers and cultural differences to overcome, but in the end my grandma and her family adjusted to a Taiwanese lifestyle. My grandma continued to live in Taiwan for fourteen more years, but she then moved to the U.S. and met my grandpa. —Maddie F. My family is from Sweden and Germany. I have 5 siblings: three younger brothers and two younger sisters. I live in Chicago, IL. My dad Lives in Glenview, IL. (One of Chicago’s suburbs). I go to Alcott College Prep. My family has always lived in Chicago (Including the suburbs) except my mom. We go out of town a lot. My mom currently lives in Lincoln Park, Chicago. — Jack G.
I’m from Mexico and Slovakia. My dad is from Mexico and my mom is from Slovakia. I was born in Chicago in Illinois in U.S.A. My family likes to eat together. What makes my family unique is my family has lots of family members, and what is also unique is that my family members live for a long time. Our family is very good. —Marc A.
My family is made up of my mom, dad, my brother Oliver, my great grandma, my four grandparents, two cousins, two uncles and three aunts. What makes our family unique is that we are all creative, my mom bakes and does art with me, my dad cooks with me, and my brother builds with Legos. I like to make art. My dad is from Milwaukee and my mom is from Chicago. My ancestors are from Italy, Ireland, Germany and Czechoslovakia. My family is nice, kind, and fun. My favorite time with my family is Fourth of July, Halloween and Easter because we make things and decorate. —Pippa G. In my family I have two little brothers: John who is nine years old and Cole who is seven years old, and last there’s me! My brother John loves to play baseball and soccer. Cole loves soccer too, but not as much as John. Finally, me and I absolutely love ballet. —Charlotte W.
My name is Medina and I was born in Chicago and my sister is 3
years older than me. She was also born in Chicago. But my parents were born in a European country called Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia is a small country but very pretty. It has the most beautiful hill you could have ever seen. I know all of this because in 2010 I went to my grandparents’ house in Bosnia for 3 months. While I was there I went to the sea with my grandparents. There are also lots of rivers, lakes, and a lot of old castles. There are ice cream shops everywhere. I miss Bosnia and my grandparents but I’m lucky to live in America. —Medina H. My family eats healthy and we share. We spend time together and have fun together. My dad is from Ireland and my mom is from Virginia. I was born in Chicago. So was my brother, PJ. —Molly H. My family is unique because we go to Florida for the summer and winter. My family is comprised of my mom, dad, sister, brothers, aunts and cousins. My mom is from America, but my dad was born in Japan. My mom’s parents were born in Italy and my dad’s were born in Japan. —Brandon B.
Culture is a story that continues on and on for millions of years. Because this story is usually spoken, there aren’t a lot of smears. These stories talk about life and its adventure. And how far people venture. So next time you hear culture Please don’t think of a vulture. —Eliza B. —Katie My family is kind and nice and they love me so well. My brother and I like to play. My mom is the cook in the house, and my dad likes sports a lot. This is my family, and we do so much together. —Nathan C. I am Russian, German, French, Spanish, Mexican, Hungarian, Croatian, Lithuanian and American on my mom’s side of the family. I am only Puerto Rican from my dad’s side (from what I know of!). I am also American too. My dad’s family is HUGE! —Isabella S.
Lauren C.
Mia G. Kayla K. Winter 2014
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Lola
Allina
My mom was born in East Chicago, Indiana. Her parents were both born in Greece. My grandfather was born in Sparta, my grandmother was born about 20 miles from Sparta. My mom’s dad came here for many years, but when he went back to Greece for vacation he met my grandmother. They got married a couple years later and my grandmother moved here with my grandfather. They lived and worked in Hammond, Indiana and after many years of working and saving they bought a grocery store and deli. My mom, Tina, was their first daughter, and a few years later they had another daughter, my aunt, Mary. They then moved to Highland, Indiana and that is where my mom went to high school. They still live in Hammond today in the same house. My dad was born in Sydney, Australia. Both his parents were born in Greece too. My grandfather was born in Athens, Greece. My grandmother was born in Tripolis, Greece which is 26 miles from Sparta. My grandparents on my dad’s side met in Australia. They were both living in Australia and met at the time. They got married in Australia and a little while later they had their first son Konstantine, my dad. A year and a half later they had my uncle, Socrates. When my dad was two and a half years old they moved to Greece. They lived there two and a half years while my grandfather did his military service. They then moved to Canada for six months. Afterwards they moved to the city of Chicago. They lived in several neighborhoods and lived in Jefferson Park. At the age of sixteen my dad moved to the suburbs of Chicago. My parents met in the city of Chicago, and after they were married my mom moved into my dad’s apartment. A couple years after they had the my sister, Katie, after that they had the little angel, Chris, AKA ME. —Chris S.
These are the flags of the countries that my ancestors are from. I think it is neat that there are so many different countries and I want to visit all of them some day. Caitlyn F.
—Dominic Nicole
Kyla C.
In his mind, the little boy pondered He left himself free, his mind has wandered. But he always thought a common thread, When will the Great Depression end?
Lucas
Angel R.
“Black Tuesday” that’s when it began the stock market crashed, everyone ran Food, Money, nobody had those some didn’t even have any clean clothes the little boy was hit hardest of all He always thought he had it all And now he was working, start to end The little boy cried, “Wasn’t the world my friend?” —Joshua P.
My family is the same because they both are the same because they all are kind and resourceful. My oldest brother is very smart and can be very fun at times, he is a great brother. He’s tall. My older brother is very active and very fun. He enjoys hanging out with friends just like my oldest brother. He is a great brother. My dad is very helpful at times. He is very fun and I enjoy the little time I get to spend with him. Last but not least my mom. My mom is the most resourceful one of all. She always solves the problems between me and my brothers. My family is funny and athletic and my mom and dad are from Mexico —Joshua
My family has four people; my sister, mom, dad, and me. First I am going to talk about my sister. Her name is Mia, she is seven years old, she was born on April 2, 2007 in Chicago. Here are some things she likes: she loves to swim and play soccer, she plays AYSO soccer. At home she likes to read books and play games. Her favorite game is Apples To Apples. Now I will talk about my dad. His name is Richard, he is forty-three years old, he was born on April 4, 1971 in New York City, and here are some things he likes to do: he is a very good swimmer, he works at a company called Cloud Sherpas, he loves to golf and play baseball. Now I will talk about my mom. She was born on September 27, 1974 in Washington D.C., she is forty years old. Here are some things she likes to do: she likes to read books, she likes art and she used to work at the Art Institute of Chicago, when it’s warm outside she goes for runs, and she likes to cook. Now I will talk about me, Andrew. I was born on May 12, 2004 in Washington D.C. Here are some things I like to do: I like to play sports and video games, I am on three sports teams; basketball, football, and soccer, I go to Alcott School, I am in fifth grade, and I am ten years old. That is all I will share about my family. Bye! —Drew S.
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Winter 2014
My family is awesome, we all have been through tough times together. once in a while we get mad at each other that’s what families do. We all love the same things. we have so many trips together. We have gone to San Francisco, Washington D.C., we are about to go to Spain. also Florida, LA, Tennessee, first of all San Fran that was fun because we met cousins that we never met before and we stayed in a nice hotel and the pool in the hotel was awesome. Washington was fun because we got to go to the White House and got to see all the cool museums and super rich houses. Florida was fun because we got to see our grandma and our grandfather from my father’s side, and I love heat so I love the temperature there. LA was super fun because the whole reason why we got to go there is because I had a soccer tournament there and I had fun hanging out with my friends and have fun besides the soccer part of it. Tennessee was kind of fun because it was a soccer tournament for my brother that time. my favorite part of my family is taking trips and that is why my family is awesome. —Eddie T.
Winter 2014
What my family is about is well, my dad’s family dad’s family is from Ireland which makes me 50% Irish and my dad’s mom comes from canada which makes 10% Canadian and my dad’s grandmother (my great grandmother) is from England which makes me 10% English and of course I was born in Evanston and last but least my mom’s side is from Sweden and that makes me 25% Swedish. And thats what makes me. —Erik Doyle My family is special because sometimes my family would dress up nice and we would go to church. Me, my cousins, my dad, my brother and sometimes my sister. I really like sitting next to my sister and my cousins because I never really get to see my cousins that much and I only see them about five or six times. Also my family likes to cheer other family members on! If someone was having trouble with something and they said they couldn’t do it, we would support them and after a while they would feel like doing it again. Sooner or later they would have gotten it! The people I see most every day are my grandma, my mom, and my grandpa. Those are the people who cheer me on most of all every day! Actually all of my family members are cheering me on every day, and I know it! The last thing that makes my family special...having fun! I have fun every day with my family no matter if I’m not with my whole family, sometimes I don’t even think about my whole family, only about being happy. —Olivia F.
because we like Shaw’s Crab House. It is the best seafood place, and Michael Jordan is one of the best steak houses. We spend a lot of time together. I’ve never had a baby sitter. We take vacations together. My parents are from Chicago and raised there. My family is Christian, yes my family is Christian. My family is made of my dog, Treat, my mom, my dad, and me. My mom has been a Chicago public school teacher for 23 years. My dad used to be in the army. Now he is an entrepreneur. My dog, Treat, is a Doberman Pinscher. My fish is named Tyson and he is a great fish. —Colin C.
Kaiser C.
Gabrielle
There is a tradition that me and my family do with our friends every other year. We go to North Carolina and usually have a house by the beach. We always find seashells and shark teeth. —Kyle S. When my mom Maria was working with her dad Manuel, someone came in. He always comes to the restaurant on Saturdays to eat and his name was Domingo T. A couple of years later my mom and dad liked each other and got married. Our family still has the video, anyways they planned a big marriage party. After they got married, they decided to work together in a restaurant on Thorndale; they were a big hit. Then they kept working but after 1996, June 12, my mom was in the hospital with my dad and my whole entire family. Something came out of my mom. It was a...a...a...baby. My sister was born. My mom and dad named my sister Kathy and when my mom came out the door with my dad and with a baby on my mom’s hands, my whole family were glad, joyful to see my mom with a baby. After that my family took care of my sister because both my mom and dad work far. So my grandma Rosila was in the house taking care of my sister. Then my sister got older. Then my sister got going to school with our grandma but after she got to fifth grade she started to walk by herself to Patrick Henry. She also started working for our grandpa, my mom and dad. She was 9 years old when she started working for our grandpa, my mom and dad. She was good at it. After she finished working, my sister gets a reward. It was money. She told me that she used to jump around saying “hurray, I got money, I got money.” I thought she was annoying when she was bragging. She started saving money in a Pikachu piggy bank. When my mom went back to the doctor because my mom had to do a TB (Tuberculosis) test in January 1st 2003, the doctor said that my mom was going to have another baby. My mom was astonished because she only thought that she was only having one kid.
He is the best because he has always been there for me. My grandpa was the number one star. Not only to me, but to the Hall of Fame. My grandpa was a coach at Lane Tech High School. He was very successful. My great grandma is struggling with diabetes by eating too much sugar. She has been trying to kill herself two years after my great grandpa died. Now she is fully supervised and safe. My aunt was struggling with cancer. She was very sick and weak. She was doing much better and doing great today. I am African American and Puerto Rican. My name means an Egyptian goddess. Me and my family are from Chicago. My family is unique because my grandpa is a hall of famer, my mom just got a promotion, and my aunt is a wonderful singer. —Maat H. So after 2003 in October 14, 2003 it was 12:50 a.m. Someone came out of my mom again. He was small and chubby. Guess who? Victor! After taking me out of the hospital, my family took me to their house to take care of me. When I was little my grandma was my baby sitter. She raised me due to my mom and dad’s hard work. My grandma was one of the people in my family that helped me in my life. By the time I was eight I now started learning holidays. What my family and I celebrate is all holidays. What we do on Thanksgiving is go to my mom’s second job and have mashed potatoes, bread, turkey, sometimes cheese burger. On Christmas Day we wait until night, like at 8:00, we eat the same thing as Thanksgiving except without turkey and open our presents with Santa, which is my uncle, and on Easter it’s the same thing but one food is different. It’s a hard boiled with chile and eggs with money, candy, small toys, and on other holidays we also do the same thing: have fun and eat. In my mom’s culture it’s normal because she’s American but my dad’s, grandma’s, grandpa’s culture is different because they’re Mexican. This makes me unique because I’m from two different cultures like American and Mexican so my family and I celebrate all kinds of holidays. We do this bread thing. It’s called 3 kings and inside some breads have a toy baby. If you get the baby, you have to plan a party. Honestly I had a lot of fun with my entire family all these years, and I had a blast with my life and with my family. I will never forget these life’s journeys. It will always stay in a very special place in my heart. —Victor T.
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StudentsXpress Ad Salespeople Needed Would you like to create your own schedule, work on commission AND contribute to the success of a wonderful magazine at the same time?
This position could be for you. I am looking for salespeople to sell ads for StudentsXpress magazine. StudentsXpress is a non-profit organization in Chicago. We produce a quarterly publication consisting of writing and artwork by students in Chicago Public Schools (preK-8th grade).
Our mission: While showcasing art and writing from students in Chicago Public Schools, StudentsXpress aims to promote creativity and literacy, encourage alternative expressions, create positive self esteem and open discussions. I am in need of salespeople to help sell the ads and find sponsorships for our upcoming issues. A few things this position requires: • A positive attitude • Someone who is self-motivated and works well on their own • Someone with good communication skills in writing, on the phone and in person • Weekly check-ins to stay on top of sales goals • Someone who truly believes in StudentsXpress and the positive impact it has on Chicago’s youth • Someone who will represent StudentsXpress positively while encouraging businesses to be a part of this worthy effort • Someone who has ideas on how to take this magazine to the next level through ad sales, online presence or.... Your ideas are important. This position is what you make it, and it has great potential, if you have the inclination. Earn 25% commission on any ad or sponsorship sold. Ads are due for our Spring issue on Feb. 6, 2015, so let’s get started now! I will supply you with any printed or digital materials you may need when approaching potential advertisers. Let’s work together on this! Please e-mail me if you think you would be great for this position. I’d like to know what you can bring to the table and why you’d like to work for StudentsXpress.
Rachel rachel@studentsxpress.com
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A great opportunity for a stay-at-home parent...or anyone who would like to earn some extra money.
Winter 2014
n Sunday, November 23, I saw the play A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, and this is what I thought of it. There were sad parts and happy parts. One of the happy parts was when Scrooge, a man with no Chrismas spirit, got his Chrismas spirit back. One of the sad parts was when Scrooge saw what it would be like in the future when he died. There were exciting parts and scary parts too. One of the really exciting and happy parts was when Srooge opened his present, after he had become a bit nicer and jolly. The present was from his nephew who had Chrismas spirit unlike his Uncle Scrooge. One of the scary parts was when thunder boomed and lightning cracked. I loved the play because there were musicians and the settings looked SO real you would think they used real houses and buildings, but the people in charge of the settings just built them! There were also great costumes and the actors really expressed themselves when saying their lines in the play. Those were the reasons I loved the play A Christmas Carol. By Lucille Favorite-Perdoux 2nd Grade Waters Elementary Read more student reviews on our blog! To become a StudentsXpress blogger/reviewer, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com
The cast of A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre (November 15 – December 28, 2014). www.goodmantheatre.org/joy
Winter 2014
y memory writing is about me and my first day of school here, at Chicago. I was awake since probably 6 o’clock; I was ready to go to school, even though I had a bad dream before. My mom told me that the school was very respectful and very appropriate, and I dreamed that once I was in the class, everyone started shouting and playing like little kids, and I was ashamed. That was my bad dream. But anyway, I came to school with Mom, and saw Ms. Van Fleet. At first, I didn’t know who she was, but learned it quickly. I was shaking when Mom talked with the teacher, and an airplane came by, and everyone said “HI!!!!!!!!” very loud and for a long time. We went inside. I speed walked because I didn’t want anyone to speak with me, because I didn’t understand a word. (And now, I’m writing a full paper???) Anyway, I speed walked thinking that no one would talk to me, but I made a mistake, because I fell, and everyone said, “Are you okay?” And some even laughed! The one who saw me first laughed at me, and is still in my classroom today. He didn’t even help me up. My ankle hurt, and some more people laughed at me. Then we went inside room 119, and Ms. Van Fleet talked to me and said something I didn’t understand. I said, “Me no speak English?” I said it as if I was asking a question. Then we went to the blue carpet, and we said our names. I confused four, and they were kind of mad at me. But it’s okay, and they are still in my classroom today. Once we finished, I think they were talking about school rules. I raised my hand and knowing that I didn’t speak English, I felt stupid. But Ms. Van Fleet still called on me. Everyone looked at me, and I said, “What is
recess?” Some more people laughed quietly, and the teacher told me “It’s the time to play outside.” I only understood “play.” After, we went to gym. Some people told the teacher I didn’t speak English. Then he came to me and I thought, “Are they really doing this on purpose or what?” (In French, of course). He came and shook my hand and walked away. I was so relieved. Then we went down to lunch (I forgot to tell you that we had math, and I aced through it). Someone, by some chance knew well before that there would be a girl that only spoke French. I met her and talked with her. She understood some words, but not enough to figure the sentence. As I said, we went to lunch, and the lady told me something. The girl next to me told her that I didn’t speak English, and the woman laughed at me. I ate chili, and I thought I had to go home after that. After lunch, we had recess. Some people played volleyball, and I said, “Me play please?” I thought that they were going to laugh, but they didn’t! I was so happy. They said, “You know how to play?” I fortunately understood, which was a miracle for me. I said “not really.” But I saw that I was wasting my time getting bruises, so I left. After recess, I had ELL. Ms. April gave me google translation, and I finally had a real conversation with someone. I told her my name, where I was from etc. She told me I would keep the iPad for a few weeks to be able to communicate with the others, and all I said was, “Won’t the other students be jealous?” She laughed! She said “no.” I spent the rest of the day with Ms. April, and at the end of the day, Mom asked me how was my day. I said, “Horrible.” But now, this school is awesome! THE END —Jade
Hi, my name is Lucila. I am 9 years old. My mom is from
Ecuador and my dad is from Mexico. I have a mom, a dad, and a baby sister. My mom’s name is Carmen, my dad‘s name is Hermilo and my baby sister’s name is Magali. My favorite color is pink and hot pink. My birthday is September 22, 2005. I live with my parents and I also live with my aunt. I am in 3rd grade. Most of my family is from Ecuador and some of my family is from Mexico. One of my aunts lives in New York. She only came at my mom’s wedding and my aunt’s wedding. My favorite sport is soccer and volleyball. I love playing with my parents and baby sister. I love going to school because I get to learn lots of new things every day. I lived with my aunt in New York. My favorite hobby is drawing and coloring. My dream is when I grow up I want to be a baker or an artist. I love spending time with my family. I love spending time with my parents and my baby sister on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July. —Lucila B. Some of my family lives in Chicago and some in Mexico. My family is nice to me. I appreciate them so so much. I love them because they buy food for me. They buy me clothes and toys. I will help them and do anything for them. That’s why I love them so so so so much. Family. —Brittany
Jazlyn
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Thomasina
My family is special because when it is a holiday we do all the things every year. My family has a lot of people in it. My mom and dad are from Mississippi My family members are my aunt, uncle, cousins, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers. On Halloween we go trick-ortreating. On Christmas we open gifts. On Thanksgiving we give thanks for people. Sometimes we celebrate Easter. We go to church. We have parties sometimes. My family is nice. My family is kind. My family is happy. My family does nice things for me. My family is talented. My family takes me places like the mall. They take me to the pool. They take me to the park. They love me. I love them. They are taking me to a Halloween party at 6:00pm. That is what makes my family special to me and where my family is from.
ry so I can read and Me and my mom, we go to the libra ry. Then my mom libra the my mom gives my card for like six books. Me buy I ry. libra buys me books from the E. Cheese and my ck Chu to go we and my whole family, can play. Me and my dad and mom buy us coins so we we are done playing brother, we play together. When family, we eat all the my dad gets us a pizza. Me and my tell my mom that I I pizza because we are hungry and When we are done ng. have a lot of tickets. I buy somethi my mom that I tell I ese, buying things in Chuck E. Che —Betzy N. yes. says mom want to go home and my
My name is Catherine C. I am 10 years old. I love to do
math. Today I will be talking about my family. I live with my mom, dad, one sister and two brothers. I am from Ecuador, so is my mom and dad. I am Christian and I go to church every Sunday. I was born July 1, 2005. And whenever it is something special like a holiday we have a party. Every summer we go to Wisconsin Dells with my family and my aunt and uncle. My family and I like to go eat at McDonald’s because that’s our favorite place to eat. That is my wonderful family! —Catherine C.
Aaron C.
—Miriam M.
Winter 2014
My family is fun and helpful because we care about each
other. My family is very unique because we do things together and go to places and we help each other and eat together, but we laugh too and play with each other and and care about each other. My family is from Chicago and some of us live by each other and we go to each other’s houses and have family talks. My favorite thing about my family is we are always with each other and doing fun things with each other. —Jacqayra V.
Everyone has a family and a heritage. And everyone probably loves their family. But dragons don’t. They wish that they could have one. They wish they could have different foods like we do. We have so many different cultures we get to know about. We can go eat Chinese food and go to a Paris show in Paris and then eat croissants. Dragons can’t; they all live on one island they can’t leave. They only know about cultures from fairy tales which they don’t believe in but wish about. The same way dragons are in our fairy tales. They also don’t know which dragon laid their egg. Each dragon mom laid each of her eggs in different places. You also don’t get married. Dragons aren’t aloud to love. Now that you heard this story go out there and tell the world about your heritage; tell them where you are from. Tell the world about your family. Even adopted people have families because families are people you love. Be grateful of what you have because others may not have that. All they can do is cause fires and soar in the sky. —Lavinia S.
Payten G.
—Oliver V.
My name is Asier and I am 10 years old. My dad is from Chicago, and my mom is from Spain. I have an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother. My little brother’s name is Ibai and he is 6 years old. My older brother’s name is Julian. He is 19 years old. My older sister’s name is Isabelle. My dad’s name is Robert. He is 52 years old. My mom’s name is Amaia. She is 41 years old. That is my family! —Asier N.
Johnny A. Niko P.
In my family, there is my brother, me, my mother and my father. We go to the movies together. —Lonnisha H. brother. I love I have five sisters. I have one e is Jacob. nam My . my mom. I love my dad —Jacob G.
Winter 2014
Jovorionna
Jamya M.
Rayqmaun —Sam F.
My family and me just right for me every spring summer winter of fall I have them all it’s great for me it’s not always fun but I still love them and maybe it could be fun —Sam My name is Brendan and I am Irish. My mom’s side is half-Irish and half-Czechoslovakian. On my dad’s side, his family is half-Irish and halfGerman. On my dad’s side, my Grandpa Mack is half-Irish and half-English. Grandma Mack is Belgium and English. My mom and dad’s great great grandparents came to America from Ireland around 1850. My dad’s great grandfather was from Antwerp, Belgium. My mom and dad were born in America and so were their parents. They all came over on ships with not very much money or belongings. It was at a time that the Irish wanted to be American. They did not want to stand out as Irish people. They didn’t teach their children their native language because they wanted them to learn English. —Brendan
My family is so nice I could even say it twice my last name is Nitzsche it starts with an N and ends with an E my great great grandpa is from Germany If only he was here to see me that’s all I know about my family’s past the past really went by fast I think that that is really cool now I know I’m not a fool —Kyle N.
25
The members of my family are my older brother, Quinn, my mom and dad and my younger sister, Olivia. My mom’s name is Beka, and my dad’s name is Eric. My sister is very funny. She is 5 years old and lives in Michigan. She has a giant trampoline in her backyard. She was born 3½ months pre-mature and was in the hospital for four months. She is healthy now. Quinn is 12 years old. He used to go to Alcott, but now goes to Lincoln and is in the IB program. He is athletic and plays on lots of sports team. My mom is a lawyer, and my dad is a deputy sheriff. They spend lots of time with us and coach our sports teams. Quinn and I have lived in Chicago our whole lives and my mom and dad have lived in the Chicago area almost all of their lives. —Shea R. My family has 5 people, and they were all born in Chicago. My mom’s name is Jeannette, and my dad’s name is Michael. My dad is part Russian because my grandmother was born in Russia. My brother’s name is Ben, and he is 14 years old. He is in his first year of high school. My sister’s name is Hannah, and she is 16 years old. She is in her 3rd year of high school. My dad is the only one that can speak fluently in another language! —Lily R. I was born in the United States. I come from a great and happy family. My family has parties, weddings, and funerals sometimes but my family is still happy and awesome. If it wasn’t for my parents and my family I wouldn’t be here. I love my family so much. —Jalilah C. My family is not originally from Chicago, but we love living here. My dad and grandparents are from Tennessee and root for Big Orange each weekend in the Fall. My mom’s family is originally from New York and now lives in Dallas, Texas. We visit my grandmother, Aunt Amanda and Uncle Nathan once a year. I like playing with my cousins Connor and Nick. They like to come and visit us, but not in the winter. They hate the cold, but love the pizza. —Harrison H. My mom is unique because she buys me something every day. When I come home, she will have something for me. My mom helps me with my room. I play in my room and I have to clean up my room. When I am doing my work I help my little brother with his work. My mom tells me to do my work in school. She tells me to tell my brother to be good in school. As you can see, school is important to my family. —Natalia M.
My family loves Halloween and Christmas. But they like Halloween better. One year I went trick-or-treating with half my family. We had lots of fun. One person said we looked cute together. We had a lot of candy. That’s what makes my family unique. —Terrance M. My family is nice, respectful, sometimes kinda mean. I love my family. We go on trips, like every summer we might go to Disney World or go to a game room where you play a lot of games. And we go to the zoo. My family is African-American. I have four sisters and two brothers. My oldest sister is 15 years old, Zenya. I’m 10 years old. My little sister is 6 years old. —Camarianna C.
26
My name is Meredith I live in Chicago. But I haven’t always been in this city. I was born in New York, Brooklyn, actually. I hardly remember Brooklyn, since I was three years old when I came here. But some parts of my old life are crystal clear. I used to gaze at scrapbooks friends had given us when we left, and memories would come back to me. I remember a few close friends, Rory, Jake, Elsie, and more. We lived in an apartment, my mom, dad, and me. It was on top of a bagel shop. I don’t remember what they tasted like. But my best memory is the Big Yellow Bus. All my friends and I would go to the park with our moms, and pretend to ride the Bus. The Bus was a pop-up, we still have it. When I was three, we had a going away party. I don’t remember much of it, and I didn’t understand what was going on. So when we came here, to Chicago, I was confused. Where were my friends? I thought it would be a quick trip. But I didn’t know I wouldn’t see them again. I did know that I was going to have a little brother soon, though.
My family roots are in Europe. My mom’s family is mainly from Vienna, Austria. I have a lot of cousins, aunts and uncles there. My grandmother and her children spent half of their lives in Europe and half of their lives in America. My mother was the only American born in her family till I came along. I have enjoyed meeting some of my European family. My mother and her family speak 3 languages—German, French and English. My father’s family are also in Europe. They are from Serbia. My father and his family were all born in Serbia. I also have a lot of relatives there. My father came here as a small boy. He speaks both Serbian and English. In my home I enjoy listening to the different languages and the customs of their countries. I live in a multi-cultural home. —Alex S.
—Will R. Camille B.
Our apartment was nice, but nothing like our other. It was on the 39th floor, unlike our other, two story apartment. I called the building Thirty-Nine, and I still do. I clearly remember my room. It had a queen size bed and a big T.V! Soon my brother was born though, and we moved to a house so we would have more room. My brother was named Andrew. I haven’t been back to Brooklyn since. But friends come to us. They stay with us. But it doesn’t last long. But my parents are thinking about a trip to Brooklyn! I would see my friends, the parks we played at, the restaurants we ate at. I can’t wait! —Meredith P.
Winter 2014
To the tune of Rather Be [Verse 1:] I was born in the suburbs, near the place that I live now My brother’s name is Jackson, and he was born before me We could have waited forever, with my mother who made me But if we had stayed there, All of my friends wouldn’t know me [Pre-Chorus:] Then I moved to Chicago, an amazing place to be Where I live currently Nothing would be the same, If I had moved elsewhere And had a different family [Chorus:] If I didn’t have my two brothers And also my house and little sister Life would have been so different When I think about it I have a great family Y-Y-Y-yes, yes, yes, Have a great family! Y-Y-Y-yes, yes, yes, Have a great family! Y-Y-Y-yes, yes, yes, Have a great family! [Verse 2:] Every boy in my family has a name that starts with J Such as Jacob, Joshua, Jackson and Jack It’s not easy to live with them, doing everything together As long as we’re together, there’s no family I’d rather be in [Pre-Chorus] [Chorus] Yes I guess it’s true I have a great family [Chorus] Yes I guess it’s true I have a great family —Joshua W.
Friendly Families are supportive and Amazing really helpful. They are Merry always there for you when Important you need them and even Love when you don’t. Every family Intelligent is different and they all come Excellent in different shapes and sizes. Supportive The best part of all is LOVE! —Ella B.
Winter 2014
My name is Sophia. I am going to talk about where my mom’s family was born and some things about them. My Abuelita is from Mexico. She was born at her house but lived with her Tia. When she was about 15 she moved to Chicago. She got a job and got enough money to bring her mom and sister here. She loves to knit and teach her grandchildren how to knit too. She also enjoys cooking and she is really good at it. I enjoy coming over every Sunday for breakfast at my Abuelita’s house. My Abuelito is from Puerto Rico. He grew up on a farm and used to ride a horse to school. He loves to watch baseball and to hang out with his grandchildren. He also has to be doing something! From mowing the lawn to painting the porch. When he moved to Chicago he lived with his sister. He later met my Abuelita and they got married. They had my mom, Titi, and my two Tios. We have very cool traditions. We celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Three Kings. We have a lot of fun making tamales on Christmas Eve. I like when we do these things. I get to see my Abuelita and Abuelito almost every Sunday. I get to see them and my Abuelita makes breakfast for us. I know my Abuelita likes it when we eat her food because she always looks so happy. Me and my Abuelito like to play catch in their yard with my brother. I hope you learned something about my family and the stuff we enjoy doing together. —Sophia K.
I am Alex. I am 10 years old. There are 4 people in my family including me. I have a dad, a mom, and a little sister. My sister and I go to Alcott College Prep Elementary. I am in fifth grade and my sister is 8 and she is in third grade. We have great teachers. The people in my family like to do different things. I like to play many sports. My favorite is baseball. I also like to play with friends and watch tv. My sister likes to read, play softball, and have play dates. She reads a lot! My dad loves to travel and play sports. He travels a lot for work. My mom is a snuggler. She loves to do it. She also really likes to read. My family likes to travel, hang out, play, and snuggle together. We are a very fun family. I live in Chicago. I have always lived in Chicago. My parents are from different places. My dad was born in Kansas and my mom was born in Maryland. I have 2 grandpas and a grandma. My grandma lives in Delaware not far away from one of my grandpas. My other grandpa lives in Nevada. He moved there from Colorado a few years ago. My family loves where we live. We will move in a long time. That will probably be when my sister and I have both started college. We are really busy on weekends. I normally will have 2 baseball games and a soccer game. Sometimes 2 soccer games and 1 or 2 baseball games. My sister sometimes has play dates planned. I also go to the park a lot. My sister and I also have to do homework. I like watching football and baseball games on tv. My sister thinks that it is too much, but I don’t because weekends are the most fun part of the week. I like being with my family and living in Chicago. I love weekends and playing sports with friends. That was my essay about me and my family. —Alex W. family is someone that will stay by your side, someone that will help you when you need help, and someone who supports you. And that is why they love you and if they don’t, then they don’t deserve you. —Brianna T.
Hi my name is Khloee, and this story is about me and my family. I have one brother and one sister and I have a mom and a dad and my brother’s name is Koda. He is nine and he loves video games and he is smart. He is funny but can be not so smart sometimes, like the time he played Sorry and I had to move him back to start. My sister, she is a math wizard but can be not very funny. Like the time she tried to tell a joke and I was able to drink my coke. My mom is so sweet and beautiful. She loves me with all her heart and she is a cleaning freak. She cleans all the time but it is good—the house is beautiful. My dad is so smart and he is like my brother. He loves video games but sports ones, and when he is not doing that he is working his butt off. P.S. so does my mom going back and forth to pick us up wow. —Khloee G. My family is very unique for seve ral reasons. On the weekend we do not have fun but on school days we do. My family doesn’t eat together. One eats at the tabl e, the other eats in the rooms, the other eats by the TV and we do not eat at the same time. We don’t get along all the time. We live all over the U.S.A. Those are five things how we’re unique. —Ciara W.
My name is Kylie. I was born right here in Chicago, Illinois. I’m 11 years old and go to Alcott Elementary. I have one little sister named Lily. She is 6 (turning 7 in December). My dad was born in Des Moines, Iowa. My mom is from Portland, Oregon. Then when she was my age she moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. I love my family and now I am going to talk about my parents’ families! On my dad’s side my grandparents were from Italy. I have so so many cousins and aunts and uncles. My dad has one brother and three sisters. His sisters live in Iowa still and his brother lives in Las Vegas. My great grandmother is now 98 (turning 99 in January). My dad’s parents are 73 and 74 years old. On my mom’s side her parents were born in Germany. Her mom was living in Germany when Hitler was around. Sadly my grandmother died two years ago from having a disease in her leg. She was 87 years old. My mom’s dad died when she was 23 years old. He had a heart attack while he was sleeping. Thank you for reading my little story about me and my family! —Kylie M.
This is my life now I have my mom and sister I love these people. My mom provides food water, shelter, love, and cares for me I have all these things We have a strong bond My family is unique I love my life now —Nell T.
27
My Mom’s Family is From Turkey Which could be kind of quirky As well as Poland It can be a cold land My Dad’s Family is from Russia or the Ukraine They are also from Austria which sounds too much like the pop star Sia Now we are in the United States they could be the same now we are all mates We didn’t even debate We opened our gates —Ethan F.
—Chiara C. G.
d and his use my da a c e a lot. b e u is uniq gone there so I have My family asically b ia d m In a I m fro n, so parents are ’s family is Germa to n om aven’t bee I. Also, my m d half German. I h th e b a —Eliz n an nt to go. a half India w y ll a re but I Germany,
Family helps you live Family gets you through life Family is always there I was born here in Chicago, Just like a wife But my ancestors were not, Family can help you get anywhere They came from all parts of Europe, Wherever you want to go Some places cold and some hot I hope you have someone who loves you Someone who loves you so A long time ago, —Alexander D. My relatives came here from near and far, Scandinavia and Ireland and some I do not know, But one thing I do know, is that they did not come by car —Tess S. My family is my friends, we’ll be friends til the end. On my sad days, I love where I’m from they make me happy. It can be anywhere even if you think it is dumb In so many ways I feel better. It’s who you are—your family, your home You might even be from a dome My family is my mom, Houses are different—from castles to mud huts She makes me feel proud To seas which might make you go nuts So I stand tall, Your home develops you into the person you will be She’s there to give help The same thing happens with your family Your family and your home are the most important things to you She’s there when I yelp I love my mom, That’s what makes your life pure and true with every and all. —CJ W.
Nicholas E.
28
Jackie B.
This is my family, I’d like to announce. They are great, I’m giving them a shout out. —Kierra A.
—Shelby J.
My family is special in every way. Let’s have this for an example: the books in the library. The books are all the same. We would all be the same. And we are special in our own way. We are not perfect. We are special and we are helpful in a really special way. And each year me and my mommy go to Iowa to see my China sister, Katie. It is really special to me cause I only get to see her two times a year. And we always get Build-a-Bear together. But it is always the same one. —Jordyn R. I have a very unique family; when the four of us are together, we are the craziest family you’ll ever meet! For one thing, my sister has Down Syndrome, but that doesn’t make her any different from me. My mom was adopted and has a very good sense of humor. My dad is hilarious and can make anyone laugh. Although we may sometimes fight, we love each other dearly. My dad was raised in Michigan and my mom was raised in Chicago. They met at college. We are a very modern American family; we like to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Labor Day, birthdays, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. My favorite holiday is Christmas because I get to travel to Exuma, a district of the Bahamas. My family also owns a cottage in Michigan. I love going to our cottage because I get to go hiking and find many different types of snakes. Oreo and Dottie, our two dogs, are very important members of our family. We believe that my old dog Dunkin sent Oreo and Dottie to us. Dottie is very sprightly and loves to jump around and play. Oreo, on the other hand, is very lazy, but loves kisses and affection. My family is very dear to my heart and I would do anything for them. —Chloe K.
downs. A family has ups and ily is fam A Your family is different as the nights are from days, A family is loyal. ul. nkf tha is All families are different in many ways! grateful. A family ily. Heritage and culture, religion and tradition, Your family, my fam cry, People are only the same in fiction. We laugh, we smile, we My heritage differs from all others, p, hel we t, we argue, we figh This is because we have different fathers and mothers. are e W . we talk, we dream Even though our culture is not all the same, is the big and loved. Family We all live and play the same game. D. heart! —Mashaya —Linnea S.
Saula C. Winter 2014
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