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To America
I am Yoshida Takumi, and I am 16 year old. I came from Kyoto, a city in the country of Japan. I moved to America, hoping to find a better life and a job to support my poor family back in Japan. I brought a bit of money with me, but that's it. Unfortunately, I didn't know much English, so I had to stay on the island until I could answer the questions. -
Leaving Angel Island
After staying on the island for so long, I eventually learned English. I did so by listening to the guards when they spoke. I answered the questions, and was allowed to leave. One good thing did happen though; I made a new friend on Angel Island, who's name is Daiki. Daiki was 20 years old, and came alone, no family or friends. I decided to travel with him after we left the island. -
First Day at Work
Daiki and I found a job together after travelling around the west part of America. We started working on the railroad today, but we are often discriminated by white workers. Soon, these slanders were but a part of a day's schedule, and we learned to simply shrug the racist workers off. -
The Chinese Exclusion Act
Today, we learned of a new law; the Chinese Exclusion Act. The Chinese weren't allowed to immigrate to the states or gain U.S. citizenship for ten years. Unfortunately, we were confused for Chinese by many white men, and now cannot gain citizenship. Also, even though we had enough money to, we couldn't pay for our family's boat ride here, because they would be deported back to Japan. Why? Daiki was afraid that they would be put in with the Chinese as well, and I agreed. -
Dreaming of Hawaii
Daiki and I have collected enough money for us to move to Hawaii through many raises, as our boss thinks we're good workers, and almost enough for my whole family. Daiki decided to go to Hawaii first, so he could greet us there when my family and I come. -
Welcome to Hawaii
Now, Chinese Exclusion Act was over, and my family was able to go to Hawaii, and I followed. I told them to meet Daiki there, and that he would help them find a place to live. Afterwards, I found my family there, and I got a job soon enough as well. Through this job, I was able to support my family with the help of Daiki, who was no longer just a good friend but just like a brother. I heard that they brought back the act, but luckily, we were already in Hawaii.
