hen I was 10 years old I came to the United States from Mexico not knowing the language. When I first started school here in Sioux City I was in 5th grade. It was really hard for me to learn English and to understand what people were saying. During this time I would feel dumb because I needed extra help. The school tried to help me learn English by having me go work with an ESL teacher, Mrs. Miles, like once a week. She would teach me words it helped a little, but it wasn’t enough to help me really understand.
The struggles I faced while learning English were being scared and too shy to speak because I was afraid my classmates would make fun of me for not saying the words correctly. After a year in English- speaking school, I finally understood enough English to get by. Today, I still face many struggles with language. Sometimes it’s hard for me to explain myself, and often I don’t say the words right.
For example in this class American Studies, we have to talk a lot. Since I struggle with my English, I don’t feel comfortable because I get nervous and worried that my classmates won’t understand when I speak English. I feel comfortable with certain groups that I know I can understand. I’m lucky that I learned the language at such a young age because knowing English is a big step for me to gain power and access to opportunities in the United States.
W
Different Languages, One World.
Gonzalez, Family picture March 8,2017
By Fabi Gonzalez
38