Journal #13

Zitkala-Sa's story is a personal story of a successful American Dream.  Zitkala-Sa came from an oppressed people, though they were technically oppressed by the United States, obtained an education higher than many white women at the time.  Though her education experiences as a child were unenjoyable for her, she was still inspired to continue her education for the purpose of promoting Indian rights in America after seeing what had become of her people.  "Many schemes of running away from my surroundings hovered in my mind.  A few more moons of such a turmoil drove me away to the Eastern school."  At this point a white education is no longer something forced upon her, but something she is openly embracing for the betterment of herself and her people.  Her education is now important to her and she is proud when she achieves her diploma.  Not only has she become a well educated  Indian woman, but she has proved herself to be among the top scholars of her age by winning multiple oratory contests.