I'm A Child of Appalachia 2008

Almost a year later, Hunter received a book in the mail, with the following in a letter: "I'm A Child of Appalachia essay contest works to help overcome barriers to educational opportunities and encourages students to reflect on their ability to succeed. Congratulations on being one of the top 50 recognized from over 2,600 submitted essays, and one of the top 15 for seventh grade students in the state of Ohio..."

I remember Hunter writing this essay. He had a hard time, as we had just moved here, and didn't consider himself an Appalachian child. He still doesn't. But, we were in the throes of canning applesauce, made from the Rome apple, and that experience started his flow of creative juices, so to speak ;-).

I live in Rome, Ohio. This is the place where the Rome Beauty Apple was first created and then grown. In order to grow, this aple needs sun, water, and soil. Before we can help others, we also need to grow.

One thing that will help us to grow is our parents and others who have helped us. They are like the soil. They are our foundation and provide support.

The sun is like education. Education enlightens us by giving us new knowledge. Knowledge improves our lives and makes us more prepared to be successful.

The water is like experience. Living life gives you experiences that you can learn. Water gives life to the apple, just like experiences can do for us. I am trying to obtain an education and learn from my experiences and the lessons I was taught to teach others.

An apple provides food and nourishes us. This fruit can be made into apple pie, apple butter and applesauce. They make a tree beautiful and give nutrients back to the tree so it can continue to produce. I want to be like the apple and nourish others through volunteer work; I want to help others feel better about themselves and their accomplishments. This is how I am going to help others.