Life at a Boarding School
Having expectations of life's pleasures in the open fields, Zitkala-Sa soon learns that what she is to receive, is a life lesson. Being different in the eyes of other's, she is subjected to the cruelties and ridicule of the white man's world. She is looked upon as one of the outsiders.It all started as soon as she boarded the "Iron Horse". This was the beginning of a journey that would forever hold a memory of the rudeness and curiosity of people. While traveling on the train, she was stared at by men and women alike because she was different in their eyes. Having a style of clothing, not familiar to them caught their attention. Another thing that was noticed, she was traveling alone, with no parental presence. Because of the different style of clothing worn, the other young children pointed and glared at her. The other adu
This made us look like little clones; there was nothing to distinguish one from another, except maybe the color of our hair. We expect and deserve to be treated just like everyone else. If you ever attempted to carry on a conversation with anyone at the table, you would probably get floggedWhy do people treat others that are different so rudely? Another scenario I can talk about is how a disabled person is treated as an outsider. While you ate, you never looked at anyone else. The next day would bring yet another shock, the morning meal was an experience not to be forgotten. As described by Zitkala-Sa, it reminded me of the movie, Oliver twist. All the strange customs being forced upon her were overwhelming and frightening to a young girl she wished for the comfort of her mother or the companionship of her brother, but these would not be found, only the grasp of a stranger, lifting her off the ground. Standing in a room filled with bright lights and people scurrying around at the sight of the new arrivals, she hugged the wall for safety. Her story makes me recall my years as a student in the catholic school system. To glance anywhere else would be subject to punishment. I do recall one incident in my time at school that will not be forgotten. Just because we are using a piece of adaptive equipment, we still have the same rights as anyone else! In the society, we are sometimes looked upon as second class citizens. Surviving her journey was only the first part of this life lesson, arriving at the school started yet another chapter. Your eyes were always straightforward, never wavering.
Common topics in this essay:
Iron Horse,
,
style clothing,
life lesson,
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