Words of Wisdom
Based upon the strength of a nation
Conquer the enemy armed with education
Protect yourself, reach for what you wanna do
Know thy self, teach by what we've been through
Armed with the knowledge of the place we've been

(Hip is the knowledge; hop is the movement)

The American Dream, though it seems like it's attainable
They're pulling your sleeve, don't believe, 'cause it'll strangle yah
Made to feel inferior, but we're superior
Break the chains in our brains that made us fear yah
Pledge allegiance to a flag that neglects us
Honor a man that refuse to respect us

(It takes a Nation of millions to hold us back!!)

we gotta start teaching children
That they can be all that they wanna to be
There's much more to life than just poverty

(Hip is the knowledge; Hop is the movement)

As a first-generation Filipina-American, the pursuit of the American dream began with my first salute to the American flag, back in the first grade. The education system is that elusive tool where the grandaughter of a town-market-seller-tindahan ni aling __ can equip herself with the tools to open up shop- even in the front yard of the home of the brave. With the prospect of graduation looming even closer ahead, these untangible myths that appear as one-dimensional text bound in books, are now given the opportunity to rise into full form & put in context - 15 years later..

Now, as a 21 year old Filipina-American with an agenda of goals, I stand just beyond the threshold, laced with a college degree. Knockin on the doors of the powers that be - tryin to get a slice of the economic pie. Does the U.S. education system guarantee direct manifestation of the American Dream? Absolutely not! But you better believe -
we'll keep knockin...