[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 90 (Wednesday, July 13, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 13, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   KIMBERLY TUPA--VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS' NORTH 
                             DAKOTA WINNER

                                 ______


                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 1994

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following essay 
written by Ms. Kimberly Tupa, a high school student in Bismarck, ND. 
Each year students from around the United States participate in the 
Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program essay contest sponsored by 
ladies auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Kimberly, selected as 
the North Dakota State winner, was named the fifteenth place national 
winner and received the $1,500 Department of Missouri and Ladies 
Auxiliary Scholarship Award, I would like to share her thoughts on ``My 
Commitment to America'' with my colleagues, to reinforce our young 
people's dedication to preserving America and its liberties.

                        My Commitment to America

                           (By Kimberly Tupa)

       Commitment. In the frenzy of the world today, people cringe 
     when they hear the dreaded word, commitment. We're all guilty 
     of this. We seem to dream up the most amazing excuses to 
     avoid volunteering our time and efforts to help others.
       I believe I've heard almost every excuse imaginable, and I 
     must confess, I've depended on some of the same excuses 
     myself. ``I don't have time,'' or ``Why should I, no one else 
     does?'' I had a very narrow-minded, selfish point of view, 
     until one evening during dinner when I began to see the 
     light. As usual, my family was involved in yet another lively 
     conversation, the downfall of America. What had happened to 
     the sense of duty to others and the nation? Morality, ethics, 
     patriotism, where had they gone?
       Hours later, still pondering over my family's lengthy and 
     animated discussion, I was suddenly struck with a sense of 
     dread. What was my duty to America? Horrified, I realized I 
     had become the type of person I detested. My country had 
     given me so much. Yet, what did I give back? At that moment, 
     I examined the other members of my family. What had they 
     contributed?
       My father, having served in the military for three years, 
     became a role model for my oldest brother Mark. Belonging to 
     the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps, Mark attends 
     college on a full-ride scholarship. After graduation, he will 
     fulfill a four-year obligation in the Air Force. Mark is 
     extremely proud to serve and defend his country. He feels 
     privileged having been given the opportunity to belong to the 
     Armed Forces.
       My mom, an elementary teacher, is committed in an 
     altogether different way, teaching and preparing the future 
     leaders of America. She cherishes every moment she spends in 
     the classroom with her students. Likewise Ken, another older 
     brother whom I greatly admire, intends to become an English 
     teacher with the hope of giving back to society what society 
     has given to him.
       For years, I had believed my family contributed an 
     extremely insignificant amount to society. How wrong I was! 
     Where then did this leave me? What could I contribute? That 
     momentous evening, with my family gathered around the diner 
     table, I finally realized my commitment to America. I believe 
     the key to commitment is community involvement. For two years 
     I have been involved in Special Olympics, coaching soccer. 
     Looking on as my team enthusiastically accepted their bronze 
     medal this year, I felt pride and contentment. I had never 
     dreamed that I would be the one to benefit. The athletes made 
     me more aware of the importance of patience, compassion, 
     generosity, and maturity.
       Every week I also visit the students in my mom's classroom. 
     For half an hour I present Spanish to the children, awed at 
     how quickly and eagerly they grasp the new knowledge. I first 
     began this practice four years ago, but at that time I only 
     taught the children for one day. As soon as I noticed their 
     fervor for the language I decided to come for regular visits, 
     one day each week
       I spent an entire day each year, for three consecutive 
     years, scooping ice cream at a festival specifically for 
     children. Even when my wrists were so stiff I couldn't move 
     them. I experienced an amazing feeling of satisfaction. 
     Despite the fact that I am donating my own time, I am the 
     better citizen for it. My reward, my payment, is the smile I 
     witness on every child's face as they gulp down their ice 
     cream, the hug I share with each Special Olympic athlete.
       A major portion of my contribution to America is donating 
     time to these community projects. My ultimate goal, however, 
     is to obtain college degrees in both Biochemistry/Molecular 
     Biology and Spanish. With this training, I hope to devote my 
     time to research. My lifelong wish is to discover cures to 
     those diseases which plague hundreds of thousands of people 
     today. Although to many a seemingly unattainable goal to 
     reach, I believe with determination my efforts won't be 
     futile.
       As Edward Everett Hale once said, ``I am only one, but 
     still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do 
     something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not 
     refuse to do the something that I can do.''

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