The Best Scholarships in West Virginia

​University education can be relatively expensive. The good news is, financial assistance is conveniently available to the students who aspire to further their studies. For example, Scholarships.com can aid you to locate information concerning the wide array of scholarships tailored for West Virginia students. The scholarships highlighted below will shed light in the vast array of the possibilities available at Scholarships.com. To benefit from these opportunities, you must identify your needs and choose a college that will help you to choose the right career and build your future. 1.Allegheny Mountain Area Air Waste Administration Assn. Scholarship The Allegheny Mountain Section Air Waste Administration Organization offers undergraduate scholarships for students who aspire to pursue careers in the environmental conservation sector; including careers Environmental Science, Environmental Impact Assessment, Engineering and much more. The considerations are based upon the scholastic record, research objectives, career goals, academic performance, and proficiency in other extra-curricular activities such as sports or drama. Scholarships Applications start on March 31, every year.You can learn more about the ​Allegheny Mountain Area Air Waste Administration Assn. here. 2. Military ROTC Green to Gold Scholarship Program The Green to Gold Scholarship Program offers Tuition, accommodation and extra cash for books and other items to the scholarship winners. Also, you get a monthly gratuity for ten months every academic year, and this amount rises annually as you proceed with your military classes. The students also receive some allowances after going to the Leadership Development and Evaluation Course (LDAC) during their junior and senior years. Remember to apply before February 01 every year.You can learn more about the ​Military ROTC Green to Gold Scholarship Program here. 3.Army ROTC Scholarships If you want to begin your journey to a solid future, applying for the Military Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), is a smart idea. The college is renowned for the unrivaled leadership training initiatives both at the undergraduate and the advanced levels where success is guaranteed for lots of West Virginia students. If leadership is your thing, the Army has lots of opportunities that suit you, and if you dream of a career as an army officer, this college will give you the training you require, and in the end, your passion will turn into a fulfilling career.You can learn more about the ​Army ROTC Scholarships here. 4.Carolinas-Virginias Retail Hardware Scholarship The main goal of this Scholarship is to offer plenty of opportunities to children of every employee of the Carolinas-Virginias firms, especially those in the National Retail Hardware Region. Specifically, these opportunities are meant to benefit the Member firms within North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, or West Virginia.You can learn more about theCarolinas-Virginias Retail Hardware Scholarship hï » ¿erï » ¿e. 5.Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship This scholarship, a brain child of the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show was launched by MANTS in 2002. This scholarship was established in memory of Mr. Akehurst, who played a key role in the introduction of the horticulture department in MANTS. MANTS hopes that this scholarship will offer lots of opportunities to eligible students who have a passion for horticulture, landscaping, and nursery establishment. If interested, be sure to apply before May 31 every year.You can learn more about the ​Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship here. 6.Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship The Stuck at Prom contest was established by the Henkal Corporation that promotes Duck, a particular type of Duct Tape. This competition is meant for the residents of Canada and the United States, including West Virginia and the District of Columbia, but the residents of the Province of Quebec and Puerto Rico are not eligible. To win this contest, you must create the ultimate prom attire, exclusively from duct tape. If interested, be sure to apply before May 31 every year and include one colored photograph and proof of acceptance at the EMU Scholars Program, 4-year program that pays 15 credit hours per semester, equivalent to 30 credit hours per year. The program is meant for West Virginia freshmen or transfer students who attain 3.50 GPA or more. The residents of Michigan or Ohio are not eligible. The successful applicants must reside in university hostels for in their first and second year.You can learn more about the ​Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest here. 7.Scholarships by the Greater Kanawha Foundation This award seeks to provide plenty of opportunities to the students of West Virginia only. A successful applicant must be a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 credit hours, and should demonstrate impressive academic achievements, getting at least 2.5 GPA on average. In addition to scoring at least 20 in the ACT, the discipline is a must. If you meet these specifications, remember to apply before January 15.You can learn more about the ​Scholarships by the Greater Kanawha Foundation here. 8.Harry C. Hamm Family Scholarship This scholarship is meant for a college, sophomore, junior, or senior student pursuing a degree in journalism or communications at any college or university in West Virginia. To qualify, you must be a sophomore, senior, junior, or college student pursuing a BA in communications or journalism. Also, you must be undertaking a 4-year program at a West Virginia institution. If you qualify, remember to apply before February 28.You can learn more about the ​Harry C. Hamm Family Scholarship here. 9. Heidelberg University Out-Of-State Grant The Grant targets the first-time freshmen or other transfer students in various parts of the United States. A successful candidate can take advantage of this renewable program for four years as long as the academic performance is excellent. The scholars must maintain 3.00 GPA on average to qualify for renewal. Successful candidates must be members of the Phi Theta Kappa. The candidates must provide authentic proof of membership, the high school transcripts, and letters of recommendation before February 1. While this opportunity is meant for West Virginia freshmen, students who transfer from Ohio State can also apply. The value of the scholarship is $3,000, though the scholars may also qualify for $1,000 UCC grant, $2,000 UCC Ministerial Grant, and $1,000 from the Alumni Family.You can learn more about the ​Heidelberg University Out-Of-State Grant here. 10.Robert H. Mollohan Scholarship This scholarship was launched in 2003 in honor of Mrs. Helen Mollohan. Together with her friends and family, Mrs. Mollohan decided to honor her late husband with this Charitable Foundation in 2000. During her tenure as the President, she has awarded lots of scholarships and procured plenty of internships for the students of West Virginia. If you are eligible for this scholarship, remember to apply before February 28.You can learn more about the ​Robert H. Mollohan Scholarship here. 11.John M. Murphy Scholarship This scholarship was launched in 2004 by the friends and family of John Murphy with a goal to help the students from Pendleton County achieve their dreams. Thus, it is meant for the students who want to pursue their education at the post-secondary level, especially biology, ecology, and environmental science. If you are a senior High school student at the Pendleton County, you must apply before February 28.You can learn more about the ​John M. Murphy Scholarship here. 12.Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Eastern Regional Chapter If you are looking to pursue higher education, achieve personal milestones, take part in the civic and community service, and boost your leadership skills, applying for the Korean-American Scholarship Foundation a smart idea. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before July 08, and they must be either Korean or American students.You can learn more about the ​Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Eastern Regional Chapter here. 13.Presbyterian Student Opportunity Scholarship For the Presbyterian Church University students in the United States who hope to enjoy the need-based aid, this is the ideal opportunity to do so. Also, the program can assist the juniors, sophomores, seniors who are full-time, and the first-degree students in the various academic institutions that are accredited. If you are looking to explore and find out more about God, this scholarship can work to your advantage, but you must apply before May 15.You can learn more about the ​Presbyterian Student Opportunity Scholarship here. 14.Teaming to Win Business Scholarship The Robert H. Mollohan established this Charitable Foundation to administer this business-oriented scholarship in cooperation with Teaming to Win Ltd (TTW). TTW undertakes business incubation conferences, business studies, promotional and marketing forums, networking, workforce development, and business expansion opportunities. If you are looking to improve and advance your prospects in small business management, the Teaming to Win Business Scholarship is the ideal opportunity for those who submit their applications before February 28.You can learn more about the ​Teaming to Win Business Scholarship here. 15.The Carl R. Morris Memorial Scholarship The family of Carl R. Morris launched this Scholarship to honor him, a person who spared no effort in the quest to enlighten his community through education. If you are looking to perpetuate and pass on the values that the county of West Virginia bestowed on Carl, this Scholarship will shed light on the values that Carl R. Morris lived by until his death. The candidates in West Virginia must submit their applications before February 28.You can learn more about the ​The Carl R. Morris Memorial Scholarship here. 16.The David Womack Memorial LGBT Scholarship The Scholarship targets all gay and lesbian students pursuing any undergraduate program in West Virginia. The eligible students must be legal residents of West Virginia and after the evaluations, the successful candidates are awarded at the beginning of August. The candidates who have proof of college attendance in West Virginia must submit their essays before June 30.You can learn more about ​The David Womack Memorial LGBT Scholarship here. 17.The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Scholarships The Foundation runs over 175 scholarship funds that carter for family or friends, memorialize loved ones, fete retirements, and to make sure the values of donors are passed on from one generation to the other. Each of the funds has different requirements for eligibility and only students from the counties of Roane, Calhoun, Mason, Gilmer, Jackson, Doddridge, Pleasants, and Ritchie, all in West Virginia, can apply. The deadline for application is always March 03.You can learn more about​The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation Scholarships here. 18.The Roothbert Fund Scholarships The Roothbert Fund comprises of scholarships open to every person in the United States of America regardless of their nationality, age, religion, or sex. Even though the Roothbert Fund asserts no emphasis on any particular type of worship or religious practice, the fund ultimately seeks to offer support to individuals whose motivation is spiritual values and has consequently awarded grants to people interested in a variety of professions. The deadline for application is always January 31.You can learn more about the ​Roothbert Fund Scholarships here. 19.U.S. Army Loan Repayment Program The U.S Army Loan Repayment Program is aimed at assisting servicemen in their endeavors to effectively repay student loans. Among the different branches of the service, the Army’s CLRP package of benefits is arguably best, mainly because it offers approximately $65,000 in a lifetime forgiveness of student loans. The benefit is provided at a rate and doled out annually, commencing immediately a soldier completes their first year of qualifying service. The deadline for application is always June 23.You can learn more about the ​U.S. Army Loan Repayment Program here. 20.West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program This program disburses financial benefits to qualified undergraduate students who require some financial aid in a West Virginia college. Financial benefits can be renewed for the entire duration of the study, but cannot be granted three years after the initial award. The deadline for application is April 15.You can learn more about theWest Virginia Higher Education Grant Program here. 21.West Virginia PROMISE Scholarships The PROMISE Scholarship is meant for the West Virginia residents. PROMISE stands for Providing Realistic Opportunities to Maximize the In-State Student Excellence, a scholarship program that is based on merit and aims to make a college education relatively more affordable for all the qualified students in West Virginia. This program was initially funded in the year 2001 and aims to provide financial assistance for each of the eligible high school graduates in West Virginia. The deadline for application is always March 01. This financial aid program is based on merit and has become popular among the West Virginia residents who seek to further their studies in various post-secondary fields.You can learn more about the ​West Virginia PROMISE Scholarships here. 22.Foundation Scholarship This scholarship is awarded annually and covers the attendance cost decided upon by the Office of Financial Aid for a period of four undergraduate years in addition to one-time allowance totaling $4,500, for further studies. The students who benefit from the PROMISE Scholarship will consequently receive the Foundation Scholarship minus the amount they received from the PROMISE Scholarship.To qualify, a student must have scored a minimum of 3.80 in the high school GPA and 30 in the ACT exams or 1340 in the SAT exams. The scholarship’s selection committee considers students who receive the Bucklew scholarship after graduating from a high school in West Virginia or students home-schooled during their senior year on more in West Virginia. To apply, students need to avail their ACT/SAT scores and high school transcripts by January 8.You can learn more about the ​Foundation Scholarship here. 23.Bucklew Scholarship The winners of this award, $8,000 per year, are selected from a long list of students who receive the Presidential Scholarship after graduating from any high school in West Virginia, or who study at home in their senior year. The eligible candidates must meet the minimum high school threshold of 3.80 on the GPA, 30 on the ACT, or 1340 on the SAT. Ensure that you submit your application along with the high school transcript, ACT/SAT transcripts by January 8, 2016. A week after getting the Presidential Award letters, the eligible students get their application forms via email.You can learn more about the ​Bucklew Scholarship here. 24.University Merit Scholarship The students who attain at least 3.50 in the GPA can get a scholarship worth $7,000 per year during the four-year undergraduate program as well as a one-time allowance of $3,500 to further their studies. The National Merit scholarship is meant for the candidates who not only seek to pursue an undergraduate course in West Virginia University but also those who selected the institution as their first choice. The applicant must be a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship, and must also undertake the PSAT/NMSQT test.You can learn more about the ​University Merit Scholarship here. 25.Presidential Scholarship The West Virginia applicants who attain at least 3.80 in the GPA, 30 in the ACT, and 1340 in the SAT are eligible the presidential scholarship worth $4,000 per year for the four undergraduate years. Also, the applicants must submit the papers June 15, 2016. The scholarship is meant for U.S. citizens who graduate between January and August, score well on average. The opportunity is also available for art students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the creative, visual and performing arts. If you take part in the National Arts Foundation initiative, you are also eligible for the award. The application for this award is by invitation only. The candidates are nominated by the scholarship officers, and non-solicited applications will be rejected.You can learn more about the ​Presidential Scholarship here. 26.Mountaineer Scholarship The West Virginia applicants who attain at least 3.50 in the GPA, 26 in the ACT, and 1190 in the SAT are eligible the mountaineer scholarship worth $3,000 per year for the four undergraduate years, and must complete the applications by June 15, 2016. The award amount granted for this scholarship is $1,500, about equal to the average across all scholarships ($1,625). This scholarship offers 400 awards for scholars whose get an average score of 2 or above on GPA and SAT, and ACT. The applicant should be a freshman who resides in West Virginia. This scholarship is renewable for every subsequent year if the scholar’s GPA is above average.You can learn more about the ​Mountaineer Scholarship here. 27.Governor’s Honors Academy Scholarship The West Virginia applicants who have been accepted at the Governor’s Honors academy and have not received any other scholarship from WVU can get the Governor’s Honors Academy Scholarship worth $1,500 per year for the four undergraduate years if they apply on or before June 15, 2016.You can learn more about the ​Governor’s Honors Academy Scholarship here. 28.G. Belmont Berry Scholarship There will be 15 applicants in West Virginia who attain at least 3.25 in high school, 20 in the ACT, and 950 to 1020 in the SAT, or those who have studied at home in their senior year can get the G. Belmont Berry Scholarship, worth $1,500 per year for the 4 undergraduate years if they apply before February 1. The eligible candidates must be legal West Virginia residents who intend to pursue higher education at accredited colleges or universities. You must have a cumulative grade of 2.0 on average to qualify. The applications are reviewed by the WVU Scholars Office, and the results are availed via email. If you are in high school, include a copy of your recent transcripts. Remember to include recommendation letter with your referee’s contacts for verification.You can learn more about the ​G. Belmont Berry Scholarship here. 29.Shenandoah Scholarship The applicants in West Virginia who excel in mathematics and attain at least 3.00 in high school, 22 in the ACT and 1030 in the SAT can get the Shenandoah Scholarship, worth $1,500 per year for four years if they apply before June 15, 2016. In addition to this scholarship, scholars qualify for a broad range of financial incentives to cater for their college expenses. The scholarship can be renewed for each of the subsequent years for scholars whose cumulative grades are above 3.0.You can learn more about the ​Shenandoah Scholarship here. 30.Mark Ware Construction Education Scholarship Eligible candidates in West Virginia, who excel in several construction-related fields such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, painting, masonry, carpentry, construction management, or architecture, can receive†¢ the Mark Ware Construction Education Scholarship, worth $1,000. If you are currently enrolled at any accredited college or university in West Virginia, you are eligible for this scholarship, but you must apply before April 30. Remember to include your high school transcript and recommendation letter. The scholarship is renewable for the students who maintain impressive academic performance with a GPA 3.0.You can learn more about the​Mark Ware Construction Education Scholarship here. 31.McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship The high school seniors in West Virginia can benefit from the 100 Entrepreneurial Scholarships worth $40,000 each. This scholarship is meant for the students that run their businesses. If you are the first to pursue a college education in your family, you have an upper hand. The Foundation will also award $12,000 scholarships for high school students who demonstrate the spirit of entrepreneurship to sharpen their merchandising skills in any four-year college in West Virginia. Each student will get $10,000 per year after joining a larger entrepreneurial. Also, the students will have a chance to interact with other scholars during the e-Venture summer program. The candidates must apply in January every year.You can learn more about the ​McKelvey Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship here. 32.MU Multicultural Affairs Scholarships and Fellowships The youth who have encountered the problems associated with foster care for at least 12 months, or those whose parents have been incarcerated for at least 12 months are eligible to apply for the Multicultural Affairs Scholarship. The Program will offer scholarships worth at least $2,000 to youths and seniors who qualify for any post-secondary training program. Also, the students who aspire to pursue any 2 or 4-year certificate, vocational, or degree programs are encouraged to apply before March 15 and check the results by April 15.You can learn more about the ​MU Multicultural Affairs Scholarships and Fellowships here. 33.Vandalia Scholarship The eligible applicants in West Virginia who attain at least 3.25 in the GPA, 24 in the ACT and 1110 in the SAT can get the Vandalia scholarship worth $2,500 per year for the four undergraduate years. However, they must apply before June 15, 2016. For those who want to guarantee a favorable scholarship consideration, the Undergraduate studies office encourages the West Virginia students who apply for the scholarship to perform a few hours of community service in any West Virginia college.You can learn more about the ​Vandalia Scholarship here. 34.Student Athlete Awards Program This scholarship is a brain child of National Milk Mustache and is meant to promote the "got milk?" campaign in tandem with USA TODAY. The popular Scholar and Athlete Milk Mustache of this Year (SAMMY) Program recognizes the achievements of 25 senior high school athletes. The winners attend a colorful awards ceremony, enjoy a $7,500 university scholarship, and also get the opportunity to take part in the Milk Mustache advert. West Virginia scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, and the key to success is to draft a good academic resume and highlight all volunteer work, memberships, and your favorite extracurricular activities.You can learn more about the ​Student Athlete Awards Program here. 35.Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program This state-funded Program is meant to enable students to venture in the education sector in any area of their choice; from the pre-school, elementary, secondary school, or middle level. If you would like to pursue a career in this field, you can benefit from the graduate and undergraduate scholarships worth $5,000 per year. These evaluations hinge on the academic qualifications of applicants who are passionate about teaching. The successful candidates are required to practice in any of the public schools in West Virginia.You can learn more about the ​Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program here. ​We've worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.

Fact and Fiction in The Boat - Literature Essay Samples

The Dutch Historian Pieter Geyl once stated that â€Å"Imagination plays too important a role in the writing of history, and what is imagination but the projection of the authors personality.†(1) If we were to replace the word ‘history’ with ‘a historically based story’, is this not also the case with Nam Le’s novel The Boat? Of course, one must acknowledge the fact that Le’s book is effectively a work of fiction, yet there are so many true historical elements within his stories that one could be excused for believing that Geyl had said this with Le’s writings in mind granted that the former had lived to see our times. In each story, the author recounts someone’s struggle to find their place in the world, often to the backdrop of an event of some historical significance, while placing upon it his own fictitious mark. This essay will explore some of the ways in which Le portrays and links together a few of the complexities of truth, fiction and identity in the world we live in. Let us begin by defining what this means before we apply it to Le’s text.Quid est Veritas? What is ‘truth’ to the mind of Nam Le? Perhaps it is the â€Å"ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience†. Or is it simply â€Å"conformity with fact or reality†?(2) One would suggest that Le expertly juggles both of these versions of ‘truth’ in his stories. Let us examine his opening story, Love and Honor and Pity and Pride and Compassion and Sacrifice†. This story is a prime example of this assertion. As reviewer Charles D’Ambrosio writes: â€Å"there are the old verities, stubborn truths that survive, insisting on themselves† One such ‘verity’ is the natural bond between father and son the family bond that withstands all. Blood is thicker than water, as is made clear in the exchange between Linda and Nam: â€Å"Ã¢â‚¬Ë œI thought you didn’t talk to him at all.’‘He’s my father.’†(3) (p. 5)Three small words contain so much significance. Moreover, in spite of the fact that they have lead separate lives for many years now, Nam still cherishes that boyish desire to please his father. â€Å"He would read it, with his book-learned English, and he would recognise himself in a new wayHe would be pleased with me.†(4) (p. 29) Even after Nam’s father burns the precious manuscript, and we expect the rift between father and son to be irreparable, on closer reading we can see from Nam’s tone that this is not so: â€Å"If I had known then what I knew later, I wouldn’t have said the things I did. I wouldn’t have told him he didn’t understand – for clearly he did. I wouldn’t have told him that what he had done was unforgivable. That I wished he had never come, or that he was no father to me. But I hadn’t known, and, as I waited, feeling the wind change, all I saw was a man coming toward me who had destroyed himself, yet again, in my name.†(5) (p. 30)At the time, he may have felt that way, but now, when he is recounting the event, he realises that his father had acted for his own good, and â€Å"the old verities† the family ties survive. â€Å"Love and Honour, etc† also illustrates the other definition of ‘truth’ for it is clear that Le has based this story on his own life experiences. The protagonist shares his name, childhood and career choices. At first, we get the impression that this is authentic in every way, an autobiographical account of his experiences while writing The Boat. However, we soon realise that this is not the case, when we see the fictitious Nam decide to act upon his friend’s advice to â€Å"‘totally exploit the Vietnamese thing’†(6) (p. 9), in view of the deadline which looms before him. Clearly, his in tentions in recounting his father’s experience were therefore not entirely pure perhaps his father had a point when he declared that Nam would not be able to write the story(7) (p 25), in all its raw, undeniable authenticity. Nam himself said in an interview that â€Å"there was always a reticence on my parents’ behalf to resist that time in their lives. There’s always a cultural reticence among vietnamese people in discussing itin a sensationalist way†(8) Hence the reason Le feels compelled to tamper with history and stamp it with his own brand of fiction. â€Å"I charge myself not with getting something right but with doing it justice. Capturing not the essence but an essence.†(9) He may use authentic historical events, but he chooses to include caricatures instead of real people in these stories (10). By doing so, he loses some of the sympathy we may have felt towards them if they were real, for in our subconscious remains the thought that th ey are only figments of a writer’s imagination, and therefore, much harder to identify with we are still moved, but not as much as he perhaps intended for us to be. Deviating from history may also make it difficult for him to convey his desired meaning to us, as we come with our own preconceived notions about how things occurred. When we discover that his stories are not as authentic as we had believed them to be, we inevitably lose faith in the historical credibility of the rest of his stories if he sensationalises that which he knows, are the rest of his stories predominantly confined to the bounds of his imagination? How much is based on truth, and how much is pure fiction?But we underestimate Le, of course, for he knows that he has set himself a difficult task by choosing to write in this way, while endeavoring to keep â€Å"the sort of ringing authenticity that enables ‘that true empathy, that deep, clear, close inhabitation by the reader of another consciousnes s in another context. That’s the key, the gold in the ore – where imagination and understanding meet, recognising familiarity in strangeness, truth in otherness, and yourself, in a tricksy mess of words’(11) , for as he goes on to say in another interview: â€Å"Fiction makes strange even the places we know†(12). On the other hand, as he loses our faith in his historical accuracy, he gains our admiration in his abilities as a writer. For although some of his other stories (such as â€Å"Cartagena†, â€Å"Meeting Elsie† and â€Å"Halflead Bay†) may not be grounded in such historical or ethnic principles as â€Å"Love and Honour etc† or â€Å"The Boat†, in these stories he provides more insight into the characters themselves. The historical events are allocated to the background used as a backdrop for the action, whereas in â€Å"The Boat†, the focus of the story is essentially upon the gut-wrenching journey of the Vietnamese boat people, upon the trials they suffered and the sacrifices they had to endure. Of course, there are the ever-present protagonists (Nam and Mai), but they must be included if the author has any desire for his story to move forward. In â€Å"Cartagena†, however, we are allowed to become intimately acquainted with the boy-turned-hitman, and in this manner we are compelled to endure the dilemmas and pains which he undergoes throughout the story. It is also in this way that Le presents us with the complexities of identity. Throughout this story the protagonist Ron endeavours to find his niche in the world, as he plays at ball with his child comrades, or plays at being the bread-winner for his girlish mother. But it would seem by a cruel twist of fate that there really is no place in the world for a ‘misfit’ such as he is: unless this place be Cartagena, that place where as the sun rises, â€Å"it is a slow-motion explosion like in the movies†(13) a child’s fantasy, for a boy who missed out on his childhood. Similarly in â€Å"Meeting Elise†, we have Henry trying to retain contact with his estranged daughter, the child who would inevitably form a part of his identity as a father, and perhaps once upon a time as a passionate young man, who had more to care for than his paintings. All of these characters are real people, people we might encounter each day on the street, people such as ourselves. This forms a sense of realism as we can identify with them, which we may find harder to do with Nam the writer or the refugee Mai. But to a certain extent, we can identify with these characters also, in view of the fact that they undergo trials equal to their state in life. Nam Le didn’t write about heroes, or even dastardly villains he chose to write about people he knew, or people he could have known if he had been given the chance.Of course, for those of us who still believe there to be ‘a fraction too much fiction’ present in his writing, some of this realism is inevitably lost. But even if his characters are still on their quests for their respective identities, Le himself is comfortable with his identity as a writer, and masterfully manipulates the complex natures of truth, fiction and identity in whichever way he chooses so that one could go so far as to say that â€Å"All the world’s a stage, the men and women merely players†(14) and Nam Le is ever present pulling the strings.Endnotes:(1) Szasz, Ferenc M., Quotes About History, http://hnn.us/articles/1328.html (Accessed: 01/05/2010)(2) truth. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/truth (Accessed: 01/05/2010).(3) Nam Lee, â€Å"Love and Honour and Pity and Pride and Compassion and Sacrifice† The Boat, Penguin Group, Australia, 2008, p. 5(4) Ibid, p. 29(5) Ibid, p. 30(6) Ibid, p. 9(7) Ibid, p. 25(8) Michael Harry, ‘Nam Les debut novel The Boat makes waves’, The Advertiser (25/07/09) http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/the-boat-makes-waves/story-e6freesl-1111117022355 (Accessed: 01/05/2010)(9) Kate Kennedy, ‘Nam Le’ in Readings (29/05/08) http://www.readings.com.au/interview/nam-le (Accessed: 01/05/2010)(10) Michael Caylo-Baradi, Nam Le: To Write or Not to Write an Ethnic Story in Popmatters (2010) http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/66821-to-write-or-not-to-write-an-ethnic-story/ (Accessed: 01/05/2010)(11) Kate Kennedy, ‘Nam Le’ in Readings, (29/05/08) http://www.readings.com.au/interview/nam-le (Accessed: 01/05/2010)(12) Jonathan Penner , â€Å"Review†, Washington Post Book World (2006) , Washington Post Book World Service/Washington Post Writers Group http://www.powells.com/biblio/7-9780307268082-3 (Accessed: 01/05/2010)(13) Nam Lee, â€Å"Cartagena† The Boat, Penguin Group, Australia, 2008, p. 31.(14) William Shakespeare.READING LISTCaylo-Barad i, Michael, Nam Le: To Write or Not to Write an Ethnic Story in Popmatters (2010) http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/66821-to-write-or-not-to-write-an-ethnic-story/Harry, Michael, ‘Nam Les debut novel The Boat makes waves’, The Advertiser (25/07/09) http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/the-boat-makes-waves/story-e6freesl-1111117022355Kennedy, Kate, ‘Nam Le’ in Readings, (29/05/08) http://www.readings.com.au/interview/nam-leLee, Nam, The Boat, Penguin Group, Australia, 2008Penner, Jonathan, â€Å"Review†, Washington Post Book World (2006) , Washington Post Book World Service/Washington Post Writers Group http://www.powells.com/biblio/7-9780307268082-3