I speak English when I choose because Spanish still remains the language of family and comfort. My parents only spoke Spanish as I grew up so I learned English after I entered school. The memories of playing with my English speaking classmates are still very vivid. We shared the language of childhood games and together we learned to interact all through elementary school.
Our teacher welcomed us individually to Kindergarten each morning with a greeting and a smile. Class was filled with oral language opportunities through songs and developmental play. We sang songs to which we marched or added hand movements. Snack time allowed us to sit and talk to each other while we ate graham crackers and drank milk. We learned about seasons, weather, and holidays through story book read alouds. My favorite time during Kindergarten was being read to by my teacher and singing This Land is Your Land.
The welcoming environment my Kindergarten teacher created made an impactful, positive first year experience. As an adult, I realize my Kindergarten teacher was very intentional in the activities she planned and the lessons she taught. Her strategic teaching allowed me to thrive academically in her classroom while learning to speak English. Perhaps it’s because I was well behaved or I learned quickly, but I always felt welcome and accepted by my teacher and peers despite not speaking English.
Several years later, my fifth grade teacher was instrumental in my success in math. I remember coming home one day struggling to find the courage to tell my father I was not doing well in math. I shared my progress report with him and he replied by stating that I had to make a choice, either I would find a way to improve my grade in math or I could go pick oranges with him. He motioned to his earth soiled clothing and outstretched hands to illustrate what could ultimately be my fate if I did not succeed in school.
I remember thinking that was not a choice I wanted, but not because I was ashamed of my father rather because even in my youth I understood the significance of his sacrifice for our family. That conversation lead me to seek opportunities to do better in math. My fifth grade teacher would spend recess time reteaching lessons for those of us who were struggling and I remember taking advantage of that extra time. As the school year came to an end, I achieved grade level proficiency in math and I know I could not have done it without the support of my fifth grade teacher.
My Freshman year in college I decided to pursue English Literature as my major. One of the foundational courses of study was an entire course dedicated to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in its original Old English dialect. This was one of the most rigorous courses I have ever taken. Considering my background of English as a second language, I struggled so I began visiting my professor during office hours to discuss the readings. This helped build my comprehension and confidence in the literature. She also helped me by reading drafts of essays and providing stylistic guidance. Her patience and willingness to dedicate time for my needs made a significant impact in my success in college.
I consider myself fortunate because I know this is not the experience of every English Language Learner or underrepresented student. The opportunities my teachers created within their classrooms were crucial in my educational attainment. They did not treat my limited English proficiency as a cognitive deficit and that made all the difference. In his own way, my father also created opportunities for me as he forced me to find solutions to problems and in his belief that education is a means to a better life.
