Write an original English Language essay that relates to The Book of Unknown Americans. You might write about your experience or a family member’s experience with immigration or being an immigrant. You might tell a story about being bullied or harassed, about standing up for yourself, or about befriending an outcast. You can describe a time when you felt self-conscious or embarrassed or a time when you confidently embraced your identity. You might write about a time that you experienced prejudice or discrimination or a time when you were prejudiced or discriminatory and how you came to see your behavior for what it was. You may choose to share an anecdote from your teenage years, your first love, or your first kiss, sibling rivalry, or being unfairly compared to someone else. You could write about an accident or another traumatic event that altered the course of your life or your family’s life. You might write about running away, or enduring parental disappointment; conversely, you could write about an instance when you felt your family’s love and support. You might consider exploring themes of justice or violence. You can relate a tale about feeling judged because of your gender or race or the language or languages you speak or do not speak; you could write about being undocumented or knowing someone who is, you could write about a sudden windfall or about poverty. In fact, you are invited to submit any essay that clearly connects with The Book of Unknown Americans. A variety of essay genres would meet the requirement, including a personal narrative essay or an argument or research paper.
