Students Share Immigrant Tales

By JP Chabot

Dozens of students recounted stories of poverty, prejudice and triumph May 14 during the presentation ceremony of “An Immigrant’s Journey” essay contest.

The winner, Salima Abdou, told about losing her parents to AIDS at age 8 in Niger. She was sent to live with family in America in 1999 and learned English in three months.

“I want to be an attorney,” said Abdou, citing other people’s courage as her inspiration. “I’m really passionate for speaking out for people who can’t speak for themselves.”