Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "A Man is Known by the Company He Keeps" (without using the actual phrase). (01/31/08)
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TITLE: Welcome to the 'Literacy for New Americans' Organization' | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julie Moore
02/07/08 -
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“Great. What does it say?”
“I’m so nervous I can hardly open it. Can you read it Mom?”
“Now I’m nervous. Let me see Hun. ‘Dear Mr. Calhorn, after careful selection and consideration, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Literacy for New Americans’ Organization. Please call our Human Resource Office to receive further information and instructions to begin training.’ Tom, this is wonderful, congratulations, I am so proud of you.”
“I knew Mr. Flint would accept me.” Tom pumps his fist in the air and paces across the kitchen floor. “Do you realize how many people I can help now? Like that family we saw at the grocery store last week. And the family with the three pretty girls who have been attending church. There are so many folks here since the storm that don’t speak English. Dad and Cory are here.” Thomas, and Cory enter the kitchen. “Dad, they accepted me. We just opened the letter.”
“Son, that is terrific. Congratulations.” Thomas hugs his son and slaps his back. “I knew you could do it. You’ll do a great job.”
Young Cory jumps in. “Tom, does that mean you got the job for to help the people who talk Spanish?”
“Yes it does Cory. I’ll even be able to help the little boy that just joined your class.”
“I’m going to call them now.” Tom hugs his Mom as he takes the letter from her.
A week later Tom meets Jeff at a local mall kiosk for information about a hunting club.
“Hey Jeff. You’re right where you said you would be, great. I don’t have much time. My training starts tomorrow and I have a meeting early in the morning. I haven’t hunted recently, but I am looking forward to getting back into it.”
“Sure thing Tom. Here is a list of the events coming up.”
Mr. Flint walks up to Tom and Jeff with a small bag in his hand and shakes Tom’s hand. “Tom, nice to see you. I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow. Are you a member of this club?”
“How good to see you. No, I’m not a member yet, I’m here for information. This is Jeff Randolph, Jeff, Robert Flint.”
“Jeff, nice to meet you.” Mr. Flint shakes Jeff’s hand. “Tom is the newest employee of the Literacy for New Americans’ Organization. We train new Americans’ to speak English, therefore enriching their lives. You must not speak Spanish, do you young man?”
Jeff becomes very nervous and stammers as he speaks. “Uh, Mr. Flint, no I don’t. Didn’t learn in high school. Didn’t see any point in it.”
“Well Jeff, I’ve been watching your rude behavior toward the Hispanics that have approached your table. You made some hateful comments to them. What nationality are your ancestors Jeff?”
“Uh, well, my Mom’s family is German and my Dad’s is Irish and Russian.”
“Such a wonderful mixture of past immigrants to the United States. You might be interested to know, that your ancestors probably came to the United States because their own countries forced them to leave for many different reasons. Some due to religious beliefs.” Mr. Flint turns to Tom. “Tom, I’m surprised you are associating with Jeff since his beliefs are obviously not the beliefs of our organization. We have clauses in our contracts to dismiss employees who are caught going against our beliefs. I’ll have to have a meeting with the board to discuss your acceptance if this is truly how you believe.”
“Mr. Flint, I had no idea Jeff felt this way. We only meet a couple weeks ago and have never discussed our beliefs. I assure you, I knew nothing about him treating people badly. I only walked up a minute or two before you did.” Tom explains.
“Hey man, uh, Mr. Flint, Tom is telling the truth. I never thought about my ancestors like that.”
“Tom, I believe Jeff is telling the truth. I’ll think about my decision overnight and we will discuss this issue tomorrow. Jeff, the organization offers a free evening training class that teaches Americans’, like yourself, about the United States and why it is called ‘The Melting Pot’. Good day gentlemen.” Mr. Flint leaves.
“Jeff, I need to go. Call me after you take that class and we’ll talk.”
“Okay Tom, I’ll do that. Later man.”
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Some of your dialog sounded not quite realistic--a bit more stilted and formal than the way people actually speak. And I agree with Hanne--for a story like this, past tense would probably work better.
I love the compassionate attitude of your main character, and his enthusiasm for helping out.