Read the following excerpt from "Ellis Island" by Barbara Davis-Pyle. Then I smiled because all of the questions were over. The men asked Papa and Mama to read some Italian words from a book, and the official stamped our papers. Then he grinned and said in English, “Welcome to the United States of America!” And in that instant, joy won the fight on Mama’s face.

We were taken to a boat that would sail us across the harbor to the city and a brand new life. As I boarded I smiled up at Lady Liberty who stood tall with her spoon in hand, ready to stir us in.

Which is the main area of influence found in this excerpt?

the author’s heritage
the author’s family and friends
an important event in the author’s life
popular culture .