[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 70 (Wednesday, June 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E992-E993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHELLE NGUYEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 1998

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miss Michelle Nguyen 
from Bourbonnais, Illinois. Miss Nguyen is a senior at Bradley-
Bourbonnais Community High School and has recently won Second Place in 
the Veterans of Foreign Wars ``Voice of Democracy'' broadcast script 
writing contest.
  Michelle was one of 93,000 secondary school students from around the 
United States who were competing for 56 scholarships which were 
distributed among 54 national winners. The contest theme for this year 
was ``My Voice in Democracy''. Michelle's speech about her family' 
quest for the American Dream is inspiring and a perfect reminder of how 
precious our democracy and freedom are.
  Mr. Speaker, Michelle will be attending the University of Illinois at 
Champaign/Urbana next fall. She plans on pursuing a degree in Medicine 
with the hope of one day becoming a doctor. With her long list of 
achievements in high school, including Class President, I am sure that 
Michelle will reach her future goals.
  I know I speak for the entire House Mr. Speaker, when I say 
Congratulations Michelle on winning this award, and good luck with your 
studies in college.
  Mr. Speaker, I insert Michelle's speech for the Record so that the 
whole House can enjoy her inspirational words.


[[Page E993]]



                     ``My Voice in Our Democracy''

       A voice can easily be compared to a rock that is thrown 
     into the most tranquil pond. The size of the rock is 
     irrelevant because the slightest touch can change the water's 
     surface forever. The ripples that emerge cannot be stopped 
     until they reach the edge of the pond.
       22 years ago when my parents immigrated to the United 
     States of America, their dream of having a voice in Democracy 
     began as a tiny pebble. They had abandoned the only home they 
     had ever known, to blend into a nation they had yet to 
     understand. They were only 2 foreign people, yet it was the 
     promise of freedom that fueled their desire to leave a war-
     torn country. The legacy began with my parents' arrival: a 
     stone of hope had been tossed into the pond.
       To be the daughter of immigrants is unique. I am a ripple: 
     a continuation of my parents' voice. Their pebble has carried 
     me only so far and now, I am getting ready to throw in my own 
     rock to continue the cycle. My voice in Democracy speaks with 
     the hope that, someday, there will exist a world where 
     everyone can decide how his or her life will progress.
       Democracy allows me, as an individual, to express concerns 
     and beliefs without persecution. Many people do not 
     understand that they have a gift. Their voices are heard in 
     their actions as well as their speech. The worst crime an 
     American can commit against his or her country is to be mute. 
     Voices come in all shapes and sizes just like the stones that 
     are thrown into the pond. A voice in Democracy need not be 
     huge and bellowing to be noticed. Americans forget that 
     ripples start out small and grow.
       Democracy is not for spectators: it is an active sport that 
     requires flexibility and at times, even arguments with 
     referees. It is a game for and by the people, and its rules 
     can change to help everyone be a winner. Democracy has the 
     word ``demo'' in it, meaning I must be an example. I must 
     demonstrate what it means to be an active voice. The 
     responsibility I have is not only to myself but also to my 
     neighbor who can gain inspiration from what some may call my 
     courage.
       I speak out on behalf of Democracy daily; my simple message 
     is broadcast through my actions as a student, class vice 
     president, and young adult.
       My voice as a student interacts with many people of many 
     nationalities and personalities. We share our aspirations and 
     I have respect for the ideas of fellow classmates. Together, 
     we are the future voices of Democracy. The greatest challenge 
     I face is to learn more about the USA in order to effectively 
     use my creativity to become more involved.
       The responsibility of leadership can be a burden, as well 
     as a reward. As class vice president, it is essential for me 
     to realize the consequences of my actions beforehand. 
     Democracy must benefit the majority in order to be 
     successful. My voice in Democracy is not only a 
     representation of myself, but also the needs of many. 
     Remember, a voice should never be used selfishly.
       As a young adult, my knowledge of the world is limited. 
     However, I am preparing myself to face my country with a 
     conscious effort to change the things that I can. After all, 
     change starts with me. I cannot account for anyone but myself 
     and have much enthusiasm for the power of my own voice in our 
     Democracy. As I grow older, I hope that cynicism and doubt 
     will not diminish the faith I have in my voice.
       In his inaugural speech, John F. Kennedy once said: ``Ask 
     not what your country can do for you but what you can do for 
     your country.'' What exactly does each one of us owe to 
     America? Everyone's task is different but it is evident that 
     people are neglecting their duty to simply voice their 
     opinion. America doesn't exist as a Camelot; nor should we 
     pretend that it does. But an active voice in Democracy can 
     open doors that were once locked. It is only through the 
     participation of all that Democracy can be maintained. It is 
     vital for every American to realize that we have the 
     potential to be the rock that begins the ripple.

     

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