Ellis Island was an especially meaningful experience. Thank goodness for the Ellis Island Institute and the work they have done to preserve and restore this time capsule of immigration. I had seen pictures of the Great Hall, weary immigrants eating in mass, and aerial views of the complex; now I know what many of those buildings were used for. The “hard hat” tour of the hospital buildings, laundry, and kitchen were a privilege I will never forget!
Jessica, our guide for the day, was enthusiastic and so knowledgeable. Her descriptions of the processing and inspections were so vivid and enlightening, I learned so much. I thought most people spent days on Ellis Island, though I never gave much thought as to why or where. I was surprised to learn that most arrivals only spent about three-and-a-half hours being processed. Everyone was subject to legal and medical inspections. These were set up not only for the protection of the general population and the spread of disease, but also to protect the immigrants from being illegally recruited as indentured servants.
The “hands-on” activity was outstanding, as we had to use the artifacts in our group’s bag to figure out what job that person might have had on the island. It was very interesting to learn that people’s clothing was marked with a code in white chalk to make them easily identifiable for suspected ailments. And the best was yet to come!
We all donned hard hats and Jessica led us through some of the buildings that are waiting for their turn to be restored to their 
original state. It was like stepping into a time warp and we were able to imagine what things were like when the buildings were in use. The hospital was enormous and was staffed by the “cream of the crop” of top doctors, surgeons, and other medical personnel. Ellis Island was actually a teaching hospital that offered invaluable experience to medical students as they checked each new arrival for disease, mental state, and physical disabilities. Going on this part of the tour was one of the unexpected surprises I knew would make traveling on this grant so special, because viewing the city from the perspective of an educator and the itinerary that was set for us offered so many opportunities that would be missed by a typical tourist. This “hard hat” tour was one of such things as it is not accessible to the general public. Outstanding! Another unexpected surprise was the jump drive loaded with primary sources that will definitely be used in my classroom. I appreciate benefitting from the experience and knowledge of our professors, and we’re only halfway through this odyssey.
I have to say that the Statue of Liberty was the landmark I have longed to see since I was a very little girl. I saw her in encyclopedias and she captured my heart from the start. In my younger “performing days,” I was draped in robes and 
held a torch high as I proudly sang (solo, don’t laugh) “God Bless America” at North Glade Elementary School near Miami, Florida; the seed of patriotism was planted. I don’t believe I really understood Lady Liberty’s historical significance at that time, but she got my attention long ago and has always been the main reason I wanted to go to New York. This was truly a lifelong dream fulfilled! To say she symbolizes freedom is to understate her magnificence. Imagining putting myself in the place of an immigrant, wearily arriving in New York Harbor, intensifies the feelings even more…..after weeks of traveling in tight quarters and having left nearly everything familiar behind, she rises on the horizon and you know you finally made it. The mix of emotions would flood your being…relief, anxiousness, anticipation, and above all, hope.
I got a bit carried away with taking pictures from every angle I saw, and the tears that rolled down my cheeks were a combination of reverence, pride, awe, and gratitude…..for what she represents to so many, and to me personally. This was my dream come true!
My classroom will come alive with immigration and patriotism! The images of Ellis Island families and the children are thought-provoking. I purchased the video “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” which I will use as an introduction and review again at the end of the unit. This will be a way for students to reflect on what life was like for immigrant kids compared to their own. I will also incorporate the story of the Statue of Liberty, enhanced by own personal experience.
Another lesson is the power of learning and where it can take you. I can tell them of my personal interest in the Statue of Liberty from a young age, and though it took a while, my dream was realized because I am a teacher and still love to learn!
I couldn't be more proud....and grateful!
