fs5+09

Jay Griffin Medford High School October 14th, 2009

Sollors' quote takes into account two factors, an individuals genetic makeup as well as the enviornment in which that individual is raised: The human experience "social life and human nature" help determine a persons destiny. The stories of "undistinguished Americans" serve as a resource for understanding how social and individual forces may interact. In the stories of "undistinguished Americans" each immigrant recounts many life experiences in ones native land as well their eventual arrival in America. After reading these stories you have a better understanding of the difficult lives people led in an effort to survive. Immigrants saw the opportunity to better themselves through hard work and some cases by obtaining an education. After reading the story of a Polish Girl and the story of an Irish Cook I realized how fortunate my two daughters are. My generation and my childrens generation should read these stories and appreciate the human spirit and the immigrants ability to overcome difficult obstacles and prosper in America.