Oscar is a Mexican man who immigrated to the United states in 2003. To understand his story, here are some facts about Mexico that you should learn.
When the Spanish defeated the Aztecs (Mexican Indians) in 1521 they went on a 300 year long colonial period (Wikipedia). However, from 1810 to 1821 Mexico won its independence from Spain (The World Book Encyclopedia). The Mexican-American War was fought from 1846 to 1848 between the US and Mexico. It was fought because of disagreements regarding invasions that the USA had made 20 years before (World Book Encyclopedia). The Mexican revolution in 1910 was when the Mexicans rebelled against the government and stared a civil war in Mexico. In 1929 the Mexicans won and ended the dictatorship in the country (Wikipedia). Now Mexico has a federal, a judicial, and a legislative branch of government. Mexico is made up of 31 states and one federal district (World Book Encyclopedia). The current president is Felipe Calderon (Wikipedia).
Corn is a very important food in the Mexican culture. The first Indians cropped it, therefore it became very popular and it still is (World Book Encyclopedia). Folk dancing and Mariachi bands are two of Mexico’s many customs (Wikipedia). The population in Mexico is growing extremely fast. The majority of the population is under the age of 20. The way of life in Mexico resembles their Spanish and Indian backgrounds. These days, the government has been modernizing their lives. Recently, people have been changing to living in city-like houses (Wikipedia). Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world (Wikipedia). Other spoken languages include Maya, Mixtec, and Otomi (World Book Encyclopedia). “Dia de los muertos” is a major 3 day holiday, celebrated in Mexico that honors loved ones that have passed away (Google). The main religion is Catholicism (88%), Protestantism (6%), and other (6%) (infoplease.com).
Mexico’s economy is the 10th to 12th largest in the world (Wikipedia). There is a lot of farm life in Mexico. The major exports are petroleum, motor vehicles, and engines (World Book Encyclopedia). The Mexican Miracle was when Mexico’s economy did very well despite doing horribly during the great depression (Wikipedia). Mexico has a mixture of modern and old industries and agriculture. After the economic crisis from 1994 to 1995 more than 50% of Mexico’s economy fell into poverty (Wikipedia).Only 45.38 million out of 109 million people have a job in Mexico, 18% in agriculture, 24% in industry, and 58% in services (Google). Oscar immigrated to the US because of want for a new job.
In 2003 Oscar decided he was going to immigrate from a town called Guanajuato in Leon, Mexico to the United States of America. “I was sad to leave my family and friends but happy to know I would be going to a new place with better jobs,” said an emotional Oscar. Some of the pull factors that influenced Oscar to make his decision were that he really wanted two things, a teaching job and a master’s degree. He wanted to have an experience as an employee in the USA. (We can only assume that the teaching jobs in Mexico were not as good or high paying.)
On the plane Oscar brought many things to remind himself of homeland, friends, and family. These items included music books and photos. Memories were thoughts that came to mind when looking at these pictures, he also felt excited. As Oscar crossed the border of Mexico and the United States he felt like this was only a trip but knew that this was a very meaningful moment. Together were feelings such as jubilant and happy but next to those were feelings like lonesome and sad. “The most exciting thing for me was when I got on to US soil, I saw a deer which was a peculiar animal for me having not adjusted to or seen any of the animals that were accustomed to this habitat,” he said.
Oscar has accomplished his goal, he is now a teacher at a bilingual school in Washington D.C. “It is hard to be an immigrant” says Oscar “you have to adjust and get a new job. Some people don’t have a resume that is one of the reasons that they go back because they don’t get a profession. I like my job and can keep it so although I get homesick sometimes or miss my family and friends, I am happy here.”
12 comments:
Great revisions, Matthew, you really did a great job researching, especially the importance of corn in the Mexican economy.
I never knew that mexico was doing well while the U.S. was in the Great Depression. nice work matthew also known as michael by senor giron
I am so impressed by the research you have done. It's very interesting, especially your information about the population of Mexico. For instance, I had no idea that about 50 pertcent of the work force is unemployed, and that Mexico's economy is among the top
l2 in the world, and that 88 percent of the population is Catholic.
Great job, Matthew, in your collecting relevant facts and figures. And the way you attributed the information to your sources was really terrific.
But, for me, the best of all was your interviewing Oscar. You made him sound so real and human to me.
And you wrote it beautifully.
Congratualtions on a job well done.
Hey, man, I think I cried when I saw Ugly Betty last night.... but either way, I loved more then anything (well, exept gmail, facebook, my mom ,dad (ect.)) Love ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that was very good!!!!!!!!!!
I liked it
you win
air planes
Awsome Story MAtt! I learned a whole lot about Mexico
you win!!!
that was marvelous, simply marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that was marvelous, simply marvelous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew, Thank-you very much for writing such a good piece of research. You really managed to present Mexico in a nutshell! Your report made me feel a little homesick. Here are some other facts about the part of Mexico where I am from.
The state of Guanajuato, which is located in the geographical center of Mexico, is one of the largest agricultural and industrial producers in the country. Guanajuato City is the capital of the state and is one of the most visited spots by tourists from many parts of the world. It is protected by UNESCO as Mankind Patrimony.
The public university in Guanajuato City is one of the best in the nation for it offers many exchange programs with more than 30 countries.
The city of León is the fifth largest city in Mexico. Leather, plastic, chemicals and textiles represent the main industrial activities in that city. No wonder why it is so contaminated! I certainly don't miss living there! However, Guanajuato City is a must if you plan to visit Mexico.
Thanks again, Matthew. I am very proud of you. I really like your style! Way to go!
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