My mother and father both left El Salvador because of the war. My parents met in America and got married. I am glad I live in America because El Salvador is a very poor country, and it is almost impossible to find a well paying job. When we visit San Salvador, we cannot go out at night because of the organized gangs. At night, you can hear gunshots. My family is happy and proud to live in America, the land of the free.

Maritza Ortiz, age 13