Entering the classroom, I quickly walked to my desk, sat down quietly, and immediately resumed my observation of the bird's nest at the 'outside. It was a beautiful day and I could hear the bird chirping. I had been observing this individual since it was a chick and I knew that one day it would no longer be in its mother's nest for me to observe. I arrived at the perfect time as I could see the mother standing in the nest next to what was once her newborn. They are beautiful creatures built to be carried by hot thermal currents high in the sky. Man can only dream of accomplishing the feats that a bird can accomplish naturally. A man might be nearer to accomplishing these feats if he had the courage of a bird. Imagine yourself standing at the edge and looking down at the ground as you disappear. Then being able to look up to the sky and know that this act of faith will be the beginning of a new life. As I pondered this thought, I saw the bird suddenly spread its wings and fall to the earth. Just when I thought he was about to hit the ground, he spread his wings and began the new day by flying into the kingdom of heaven. A smile bloomed on my face just as the bell rang, signifying the start of a new day for me. Mr. Franklin began the class with a lecture on the early incarceration of Japanese Americans. He began: “After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, FBI agents swept through Japanese American communities in California, Oregon, and Washington, apprehending leaders who had been identified as a potential threat…” He continued: “Distinguished by race alone, Japanese Americans became victims of racial policies that disenfranchised them as American citizens” (Tateishi). “Nezumi,” Mr. Franklin said... middle of paper ... in the places where I lived I wasn't accepted, but did I ever do anything about my situation? I didn't do it. Yes, I could be considered one of them or maybe even the gaijin, but I am much more than that. I am a person and I want people to see me as an individual with my own personality and characteristics. I will no longer be forced to adhere to a stereotype. I am an individual and I should be treated as such. I find it amusing that my courage comes from the courage of a bird. Works Cited Dillon, Thomas. “The Crucible of 2008.” Japan Times (2008): n. page. Internet. March 7, 2011. “Gaijin.” Webster's Dictionary of the New World College. Wiley Publishing Inc. 2010. yourdictionary.comInnerspace, . “Be inspired and get inspired.” Send wise cards. Np, and Web. March 8, 2011. Tateish, John. “The Incarceration of Japanese Americans: The Journey to Reparations – Human Rights.” 2000: no. page. Internet. March 7 2011.