Dwarakesh Baraneetharan, a junior at Northwest High School in Germantown, was one of 20 finalists in a Black history essay contest sponsored by WJZ-TV, CBS Baltimore. His full essay can be seen below:
George Washington Carver once said that “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” While true, the keys and doors are actually multiple, freedom a multi-level building with incremental levels separated by doors. As you acquire more education, you receive keys to unlock higher levels, gaining eligibility for opportunity. Of course, people aspire to reach different degrees of freedom. Some aspire to have the freedom to possess a lavish lifestyle, while others may aspire to escape poverty. Education is key in both scenarios.
My father grew up in a stereotypical, primitive third world village. The area possesses immense natural beauty. All shades of green, from lime to olive, present themselves simultaneously in the form of diverse trees and shrubbery. Animals chitter and chatter boisterously. This teeming flora and fauna is the manifestation of the village being overlooked by time, left unsullied.
This same untouched nature was behind the village’s major flaw: it was primitive in all aspects. This caused issues at least thrice a year, when monstrous storms would bombard the village, bringing an onslaught of aggressive winds, heavy flooding, and torrential rain. Even worse, the effects of the storms would be amplified by the village’s remoteness, which amplified the villagers’ suffering.
From a young age, my father knew he had to leave this village someday. While he enjoyed the bucolic beauty, he knew that life here was a dead end. Thus, he continued to commute the 15 miles to the government school in town every day on his father’s old bicycle. At home, he literally burnt the midnight oil, studying and even sleeping below oil street lamps. This hard work paid off after high school: my father received a full scholarship for physics due to his impeccable test scores. This set in motion a chain of events that culminated in the poor boy from a tiny village receiving a specialized work VISA to enter the US. Education, as always, had done it: it had not only given him the keys to escape poverty, but also to the higher level of freedom to live and work in the United States.
The thing is, my father unlocked those levels of freedom for his family as well. My father, born in a developing country, started his life in the “basement” of freedom, just barely having the freedom to acquire an education. Due to his tireless efforts, I was fortunate enough to start off well above ground in the building of freedom, here in the United States. While I may not have access to the best educational opportunities, I plan to use what I have to the fullest, just like my father did. I already know that I aspire to reach the level of freedom to be able to give my children even more opportunities than I had so that they may go on to unlock even more levels. Just like my father did, I will utilize education to unlock more levels of freedom for me and my family.
Recent Stories
“It’s the funniest thing – we can’t put a marker or a pen down for a minute or we will end up with smiley faces everywhere,” said Laci Swann, Justice…
John Vigna, 57, of Silver Spring, a former Montgomery County Public Schools teacher who pleaded guilty in March to one count of Sexual Child Abuse and three counts of Sexual…
Sponsored article courtesy of Paul Chung, Shareholder at Shulman Rogers:
The Boy Scouts of America, which has multiple troops in Montgomery County, has announced that it will be changing its name to Scouting America.
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
