Nevertheless, I found myself torn between feeling understanding and calloused depending on the situation. On one hand I had illegal-immigrant students like Joel who took my lessons about self-discipline, responsibility, and hard work to heart. Joel went from being an unengaged student to one who valued his education. His renewed effort in class impressed me and made me proud of him. I couldn’t help but want to see him succeed right here in America. I appreciated that his father, who was a cook at a local restaurant, simply wanted a better life for his family.

On the other hand, I also had illegal-immigrant students like Ector and Enrique. I empathized with these boys, too, because their fathers were not involved in their lives. I’m certain both boys are fated to depressing futures. Nevertheless, their bad attitudes wore on me. Unlike with Joel, I failed to motivate these boys to apply themselves. They presented fewer problems in my class than others, but they still frequently distracted other students. Ector craved my attention but used his being “illegal” as his excuse not to apply himself. He wanted to feel sorry for himself no matter how hard I tried to inspire him about the future.

During our study of Gatsby, we had discussed how both illegal and self-indulgent behavior hurt innocent people. It’s a lesson Ector and Enrique couldn’t have cared less about learning. But it’s a lesson Joel will use to better his life. Joel’s hard work and great attitude set the example for other students to emulate -- regardless of nationality.

The American Dream offers hope to many, but the dream becomes tainted when individuals pursue it illegally or immorally – a theme addressed in Gatsby. Perhaps it is human nature to sympathize with fictional characters brought to life by great authors. But real and delightful people like Joel, who is in a volatile situation through no fault of his own, can tear at our hearts forever.

Despite our feelings, logic should direct our decisions, especially when illegal activity siphons $12 billion annually in education alone. Education is part of the American dream, but siphoning money is simply a crime.