Is this an American Dream story or the opposite? Is it a story of hope or a story of despair? Or is it not that simple -- and why?
This is and is not an American dream story. Here we have a young girl named Precious who was molested by her so-called father. This abuse continued until she was in her teenage years. When she became pregnant with her first child by her father, she unknowingly exposed the dark secret. The hospital staff knew about it and they gave that information to the proper authorities who did nothing. So what was Precious to do about it?
We could say the American Dream began for Precious the day she got kicked out of school. One day Mrs. Linchenstein (p. 15) went to her home and explained to Precious that there was a school that she thought would be able to serve her better. She gave Precious the address and location through the intercom. Precious knew she wasn’t going to go anywhere without education.
She went to the teaching center called Each One Teach One (p. 39). This is where Precious’ life physically and mentally changed forever. Precious met Ms. Rain. Her teaching style was well-crafted. She provided all her students with insight, caring, loving strength from within and understanding of all that is around you. She truly was what Precious needed and wanted all her life. She needed someone to show her that she was worth loving and she could be loved by another person -- the kind of love that would enable a child to grow and develop into a healthy and emotionally well-balanced person.
Just like a well-planted seed, if you tend it well it will become a beautiful flower. This particular institution provided such nurturing to take place. Precious and all the other students who came from similar situations became better people for it. Precious was given great contributions by her classmates. She, in turn, showed them that no matter what is thrown in front of you, you can overcome. They are the ones who showed Precious how to let go of the anger and resentment she had about everything and everyone. They showed her not to be afraid of letting your guard down. Be yourself. Together they would support one another during difficult times and use humor to lessen the pain. Ms. Rain was the glue that kept Precious on track by telling Precious, “You need to push yourself.” Precious knew that the only person she was going to rely on was herself.
We need to remind our selves about the American Dream. Yes, it is our tax dollars and funding from the government that provide funds for such programs like Each One Teach One. These programs provide children with some of the basic needs like food, shelter and water. They also provide safety to a majority of women who have left their homes because of abuse or safety concerns. They give services to those who may not be heard by giving them a voice.
Precious is just one of many people who lacked the necessary tools needed to succeed such as education. It may not be the perfect system ( you can’t please all the people all the time), but it is better than no system at all. The system can work if those who work in the system show others how to navigate through it properly. Isn’t that what it is all about?
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