Antonio & Delfino #4

Chapter eight was absolutely my favorite! Perhaps it is because I am a gymnastics coach and I spend lots of time trying to mentally convince gymnasts that they have trained their bodies properly and are ready to attempt a new skill on their own. Sometimes trying to convince someone that they are capable is far more difficult than actually training them to defy gravity! I struggle with this lack of confidence everyday with my gymnasts.

In regards to my experiences with ESL students who have a dual existence and how to deal with that issue, I immediately think of a student I had who I'll refer to by his initials, JT. JT was a senior this year. His English skills were so far behind that he took both Spanish I and Spanish II his senior year to attempt to improve his Spanish to English vocabulary and grammar knowledge. Although he struggled with English, his grades in math, science, etc were above average despite his language barrier. He worked extremely hard in my classes, but was shy to ask questions, and would only speak in Spanish. I always made an extra effort when we were doing a reading in English to ask him some one on one questions to assess his comprehension. JT was not very involved in school activities. He was extremely shy, and uncertain regarding his ability to communicate with the other students in English. I attempted to get him involved in Spanish club and culture club to no avail. Whenever we wrote or spoke about future plans, he would always say that he was going to work construction with his father and brothers, and then return to Mexico one day. As previously stated, JT did well in most subjects and could at least get into a community college. I knew that trying to encourage him to do this would most likely be a lost cause.

Things changed a bit one day around Christmas when I saw him doodling on his paper at the end of class. He was already finished with his assignment, and began to draw on his notebook. The artwork was amazing! I have absolutely no drawing ability at all. Therefore, when I encounter someone who draws well I compliment their talent extensively. I told JT that his drawing was amazing and how I wished I could draw him. He was a little embarrassed by my compliment, but this opened the door for future activities. I used his drawing ability to get him involved. On several occasions I paired him with groups to help them do artwork for projects. It was great to see him interact in English with the other students Other times I pleaded for his help with artwork for Spanish club to get him to go to meetings. Once he felt like he was contributing, he became more involved with the club and the group work we were doing in class. The highlight of JT's year, in my opinion, was the Spanish One group projects. Groups had to research a Spanish speaking country, and give a presentation to the class in English. I gave JT's group his home country of Mexico. He became the group expert and showed the others where to find pictures, maps, and cultural information. He also stood in front of the class and presented with his group mates in English. I was so proud that he stood up in front of the class and gave a presentation in English! At the beginning of the year he would not even speak one on one in English. He had come so far! Toward the end of the year, I gave him some brochures about local art schools in Franklin and Nashville. I did not pressure him about the schools, just simply told him that maybe he could use his love of art as a career instead of just a hobby.

I do not know what choices JT will make for his future. I do know that he began the year feeling alienated and alone, and I watched him make friends and become more confident. I know he began the year ready to return to Mexico as soon as possible. Perhaps through the friends he made and the feats he accomplished, he feels more confident that he could make a life for himself in America. Maybe even a life far different from life in the construction industry he felt obligated to begin after graduation. At the very least, I know that he is now aware of the options and opportunities that his accomplishments have earned him.