My Journey Through Ellis Island

1. My Journey Through Ellis Island By: Beth Matusiefsky Honors II Physics November 2, 2009

2. Symbols of the “American Dream” A symbol of hope, freedom, and the American Dream. A symbol that an immigrant’s long, treacherous journey was almost at a close. I saw the Statue of Liberty. As I stood there and marveled at the Statue, I put myself into the shoes of an immigrant. I tried to imagine what it must have been like to suffer for weeks on an overcrowded ship in steerage (third class); but to then see a symbol of American hope, I imagine that it must have felt like a relief. Just looking at the statue, I was filled with a feeling of joy and optimism. I realized how many millions of eyes had been laid upon the Statue and felt the same way that I did. As the ferry approached the dock at Ellis Island, I was surprised at how beautiful it was. The architectural features of the building were amazing. It was much larger than I had originally envisioned. It was beautiful. The turrets caught my eyes and so did the many windows.

3. The Registry Room As I walked into the Registry Room, there was almost an eerie feeling as I thought of the millions of immigrants who crowded here in hopes of a new life, and a new world. I was overwhelmed. The room was huge, and although it was quiet that day, I could only imagine standing there, with my family, packed tight with thousands of others seeking passage into the new world. I could hear all the different languages combining and swirling around me. I could almost feel the anxiety that many of the immigrants felt. Then I thought of how scary it must have been to be alone in the room. I thought of how brave the newcomers were. How intimidating it must have been

4. Walking Around As I walked around learning about Ellis Island and immigration, I walked into the same rooms where immigrants took tests and were quarantined; I walked through the same cramped hallways millions walked through. It was a truly chilling experience. The immigrants walked from place to place in a single hallway, hardly getting fresh air, or being in the sunlight. I thought about how difficult it must have been for them. There must have always been an abundance of people in the hallways at all times. The hallways are small enough when there are hardly any people in them, but with hundreds at a time? That seems unreal. I thought about how intimidating it must have been for a foreign person to walk up and down the corridor in a single hallway, with many doors on either side. It must have been especially difficult for those who did not speak English or were separated from their families. All though there were many people at Ellis Island that day, there was a spooky kind of quiet in the halls.

5. What They Carried During my journey through the museum at Ellis Island, I would have to say that one of my favorite exhibits was the exhibit of the belongings that the immigrants brought with them from their old countries. It was amazing to see all of the handmade goods. From the goods that I saw, I realized how much love and time went into making the goods. I really liked looking at the clothes and appreciating the different styles from the many countries. Even though I enjoyed looking at all of the items, I especially enjoyed seeing those brought by Polish and Irish immigrants because I am both Polish and Irish. The items that stood out to me the most were the painting of the Black Madonna (Mary of Poland), and the Irish prayer book. Looking at the different items, it occurred to me that not only did the immigrants bring over material objects, they brought over their faith and religion, and tradition as well. I was great to see that after their long journeys they still had their faith. And, it hit me, if it weren’t for the different traditions that the immigrants brought over, America would not be the melting pot that it is today. It was great to see the tradition, faith, and love shine through all of the belongings in the exhibit.

6. Final Thoughts Throughout the day at Ellis Island I was surrounded by many years of history and hundreds of visitors. But most importantly, I was surrounded by the millions of footprints, countless stories, and the spirits of our ancestors. During the day there was not one minute where I did not have chills thinking about all of the great people that walked through the “Gateway to America”. I constantly thought of those who made it to the new land, and also those who were not as lucky, and did not pass further than the hospital or quarantine rooms on Ellis Island. I thought about all of the stories and the reasons why people emigrated to America: war, poverty, religious persecution. I realized how lucky I am to live in a world of opportunity; a world of freedom. The day at Ellis Island was a truly rewarding experience for me. I enjoyed learning about the immigrants: their stories, trials, and triumphs. But the one thing that I enjoyed the most, was walking in the same building, the same hallway, the same path, and the same footsteps as the immigrants who came seeking a better life, and the American Dream.

7. The End of My Journey