Description of Dissimilarities:

Union City, located in northern New Jersey's Hudson County, is a city of 60,000 residents, mostly poor or working class, that's one mile long and a quarter mile wide, it is the most densely populated city in the United States. The student population is 92% Spanish speaking. The city has become home to immigrants from Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, and Puerto Rico. The common thread that weaves the very distinct cultural, political and religious diversity of the city is the Spanish language.

Lester and Pablo attend Union Hill High School. Union Hill High School is an urban school in Union City, New Jersey. The student population consist of 1230 students, 94% Latino, 3% other minorities, 3% white, non-Latino. The school has 339 computers connected to the internet via the city's Ethernet network. A small percentage of the students have computers at home with internet access. The school offers a variety of computing courses including Programming, and 4 years of Computer Applications. The students distinguish themselves in the creation of multi-media presentations and CD-ROMs that become permanent resources in the different departments.

Alicia attends Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in Weehawken, New Jersey. Woodrow Wilson is an arts-integrated magnet school for potentially gifted and talented students in the academic and fine and performing arts areas. Art instruction and art-integrated learning projects dominate the entire curriculum. Students engage in courses ranging from printmaking technique to ballet. The student population consist of 400 students. The school has 123 computers connected to the internet via the city's Ethernet network. The student population is reflective of the higher socio-economic make up of the population.

On a personal level the three of us are very unique in our ethnic backgrounds, interest and experiences:

Lester:

I am an eighteen year old high school senior. I was born in Cuba and arrived in the United States in 1983 with hopes of advancement politically and to be socially free from communist tyranny. My family history is replete with experiences of nonexistent intellectual and personal freedom. I am highly involved in school activities. I am President of the Student Council, Junior States of America, Multi-Arts Organization, and a member of the boys varsity tennis team. Besides student government and community service, my most ardent passion is computer technology.

Pablo:

I am a seventeen year old high school junior. I was born in Ecuador and arrived in the United States in 1989. My parent immigrated from Ecuador with the hopes of providing our family economic and educational opportunities for a better way of life. I am the Editor of the school newspaper and a passionate artist. I enjoy playing the Flute and my involvement in sports such as track, tennis, and bowling.

Alicia:

I am a fifteen year old eight grader at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Like my parents, I was born in the United States. I am actively involved in extra-curricular activities including being the President of the Student Council, Literary Editor of my school newspaper and an avid basketball player. I am passionately involved in the performing arts. I have participated in many school and local community plays.