I was born in the Cape Verde Islands, which are located off the West Coast of Africa. I immigrated to the United States about nine years ago in order to obtain a better life because Cape Verde is very poor. I stayed with my aunt for four years until my mother could bring me to the United States. Since coming here, I have learned English and attended school.

When I lived in Cape Verde, it was a free of violence, weapons, and drugs. People never locked doors and there was no crime. Unfortunately, things have changed in Cape Verde. The tables have turned and it has become a place where there have been many riots. The violence in Cape Verde was introduced by the Cape Verdeans who were deported from the United States. They brought with them drugs, weapons and gangs. This situation it has inspired me to study criminal justices. I was accepted to Ferrum College near Roanoke, Virginia, in a criminal justice program. I plan to become an American and work for the FBI agent in the United States and other places such as my country of origin.

When I saw Mr. Mueller's presentation, I felt as if he was talking to me. I learned many things about leadership from listening to him. First and foremost I learned that integrity is essential when promoting leadership abilities. I can really relate to that because I believe honesty will be the key point in my career. Honesty is important to people in Cape Verde. When I was little, no one ever stole money or clothing items. Yet, this has been a disappointment to me in the United States. I have had my gym bag and my money stolen from my locker at school, for example.

I enjoyed listening to Mr. Mueller talk about public service and how it can be fulfilling to help people. I very much believe that helping people is more important than making a lot of money. My mother is a good example. She does not speak very good English - we speak Portuguese-Creole, but she has always worked hard. She takes care of old people. She only makes $9 an hour, but she refuses to accept any welfare. My mother gets great satisfaction from helping people and she has passed that along to me.

Mr. Mueller's talking about the military was inspiring. I learned two important things from his talk on how to be a leader: never ask someone to do something you would not do, and always let your troops eat first. I have thought about joining the Marines since the death of my friend Jonathan Gross. I met Jonathan when I visited my aunt in Mozambique and he was a Marine guard at the American Embassy. He died in a boating accident at age 21. At first I never thought that I would consider being in any military division, but Jonathan's death he has inspired me because I know how much he enjoyed being a Marine and fighting for the freedom of others. Jonathan is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

I learned from Mr. Mueller that I should not be afraid to move because that is how each one of us is able to grow. After I finish my college degree and become an American citizen, I would like to help people in other nations that has not been as lucky as us to have such a great constitution.

Finally in Mr. Mueller's presentation I learned about values and how they are essential for my generation and other generations to come. I learned that every generation has a contribution to make like stepping in the war in Iraq, in fighting against terrorism, and others things. Usually people get their values from family, friends, neighbors and their community. I can become a better person if I teach and try to install good values to the people who surround me, and they will hopefully pass those values on.

I believe that I have what it takes to become a future leader of both the American society and the Cape Verdean society, which I was born into.

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