By EVEL SHIVERS
Staff Writer
When H�Tuyet Rahlan heard about the writing theme for the Voice of Democracy essay contest, she knew that she had compelling story to tell.
Little did she wonder that her essay would win the �Democracy, Above and Beyond� contest. Her essay captured the $50 first prize for the school-wide competition. She advanced to state-wide competition.
A native of Vietnam, H�Tuyet has lived in the U.S. for two years. She is able to contrast the experiences of living under communist rule in her native country and democracy here in America.
�I like it better over here,� she said. �Even though I have trouble understanding the language, I will do my best.�
H�Tuyet wrote the first draft of her winning essay in Vietnamese. She said that took her five hours. Then it took her several days to translate the paper into English.
In her essay, the Smith student speaks of repressed freedoms, including education. �Students really want to study more.� She said students are encouraged to work, not get an education. The communists also want to strictly control the population, allowing only two children per family.
�I honestly owe thanks to America for your open arms,� she wrote.
Evel Shivers is a junior honors student.
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