Tribune Excerpts
The following article appeared in the October 2008 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune
What the MACEDONIAN TRIBUNE Means to Me
Editor’s Note: Macedonian youth under the age
of 20 were invited to submit essays for a contest
sponsored by long-time TRIBUNE subscriber
Done Katzorov of Cambridge, Ontario. He offered
$200 to the first place, $50 to second place and
$25 each to the other two. In early September, he
was recognized for extraordinary commitment to
volunteering by the National Selection Committee
of the Therese Casgrain Volunteer Award, Ottawa.
Jeffrey Mentzer of Youngstown wrote the winning
essay. Following are the essays.
by Jeffrey Mentzer
If I were asked the question, what
does the MACEDONIAN TRIBUNE
mean to me, I could probably give several
answers, but I think what stands out most
in my mind
would be the
TRIBUNE is a
strong link to my
heritage. Even
though I am not
related to the
people in some
of the pictures
or articles, I
somehow feel
that we are
kind of like
an extended
family because
of our nationality. Reading about what is
happening around the world with other
Macedonians makes me feel connected.
As a junior in high school about to enter the 11th grade, I have been reading the TRIBUNE for quite a while now. I can’t wait for it to come in the mail each month so that I can see what’s new with our Macedonian people. The last couple of TRIBUNES have been especially enjoyable because they advertised the convention to be very exciting, and I’m really looking forward to going.
There is always so much to read that I don’t know where to start. I always check out Luba’s Kitchen, not only because I’ve known Luba my whole life, but also because I love to eat. The pictures and articles about different chapters around the country and Canada getting together for dances are always fun to read though I am a little envious not having been there to join in the festivities.
One of the sections I am most impressed with is the list of donors each month who are incredibly generous and so willing to help continue production of this wonderful newspaper.
If I could describe the TRIBUNE in one word, I would have to say informative. Reading about what is happening in the country of Macedonia and its neverending issues with Greece gives me some perspective on how long this has been going on in relation to what I’ve learned in history class at school.
The articles on the detsa are inspiring to me because they talk about immigrant Macedonians who worked very hard and wanted to achieve. Over the years, I have read different articles that told how these hard-working Macedonians did achieve and inspire their own children to do the same.
Though I never had the pleasure of knowing my own great-baba and dedo, my baba has told me stories of how they immigrated to America from Prilep, Macedonia, and how difficult it was financially for them. Nevertheless, they survived the trials and tribulations. Reading about the detsa gives me more ideas of what it must have been like for them.
I recently went to New York City and visited Ellis Island where I was actually able to find my great-dedo’s name listed on the Wall of Honor. It was awesome to see his name in writing amongst all the others who were lucky enough to pass through the unbelievable security checks.
I hope that I will be able to read the MACEDONIAN TRIBUNE for many years to come, and be able to share it with my future family.
When I’m studying something in school that pertains to an article written in the TRIBUNE, I have taken the paper in to share with the class. This makes me feel special since I’m the only one who can do this.
Though we might not have many Macedonians in our community, we still try to stick together and remain united if only because of our nationality.
That is why the TRIBUNE means so much to me. It keeps us in touch with each other and reminds us that we need to protect our heritage and keep it strong, now and for the future.
