Name: Paulina Avila
Age: 17
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Time in the United States: One year and 9 months
Aspirations: College to study chemistry or pharmacology
“In one way, it would be good (to study in English) because I would learn English. But on the other hand, it would be bad because I wouldn’t understand what the teacher was saying. ? This class (American History taught in Spanish) is very good for me. The class is important because before, I didn’t like history, but now with Mrs. Martinez, I do.”
Name: Yadira DeLeon
Age: 17
Birthplace: Los Angeles; from ages 3 to 6 lived in Jalisco, Mexico
Aspirations: Legal para-professional
“When I came here, I used to cry. My friends would say things and I couldn’t answer. If I came from Mexico and they were teaching me only in English, how would I understand? I needed (the teacher) to talk in Spanish and then translate.”
Name: Marilyn Franco
Age: 18
Birthplace: Ventura County
Time in United States: back and forth to Mexico for much of her life
Aspirations: Computer engineering
“When I was here in school, I spoke almost entirely in Spanish; English just confused me. I can understand English, but to write is very difficult. If you do learn, you’ll have better opportunities.”
Name: Yensi Gonzales
Age: 17
Birthplace: Honduras
Time in the United States: 4 years
Aspirations: College to study computers
“My parents worked hard to bring me to the United States. Now I have to pay them back by working hard.”
Name: Jose Loera
Age: 17
Birthplace: Jalisco, Mexico
Time in the United States: 2 years
Aspirations: College and then a job in computers
“It’s important to know two languages because you’ll have opportunity and get a better job. For me it would be better to learn in English, but for many of those who have just arrived, it would be bad.”
Name: Guillermina Manguia
Age: 17
Birthplace: Colima, Mexico
Time in United States: 3 years
Aspirations: Teaching
“At the beginning it would be bad and very confusing (to have class in English). I can’t read hardly at all in English and can speak only a little bit.”
Name: Marlon Martinez
Age: 18
Birthplace: Queretaro, Mexico
Time in the United States: 2 years
Aspirations: College
“I am learning English, little by little. In the beginning it’s hard, but after you’re here awhile and learn English, it’s easier.”
Name: Martha Martinez
Age: 16
Birthplace: Michoacan, Mexico
Time in the United States: One year and 5 months
Aspirations: Computer engineering
“The teachers are good, but some of the students don’t want to learn. The classes here are harder than in Mexico.”
Name: Edgar Nu?ez
Age: 16
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Time in the United States: One year
Aspirations: The army in the United States or Mexico
“In Mexico, I was doing poorly in school. I was fighting a lot. But I’ve changed here. Here I am making progress with my studies. If all the classes were in English, it would be better for me because I would learn the language more quickly.”
Name: Lissandra Ochoa
Age: 17
Birthplace: Michoacan, Mexico
Time in United States: 11 years
Aspirations: College
(Lissandra studied in English-only programs for many years) “I think it helped me a lot. Around the world, you have to speak English. It helped me to get jobs at clothing stores and Taco Bell. ? I’m not going to forget my own language either. I really like that I know two languages.”
Name: Jesus Paz
Age: 17
Birthplace: Michoacan, Mexico
Time in the United States: 2 years
Aspirations: College
“I think to have classes in English would be difficult for me, but it would better to learn English faster. ? I wish they would do something to eliminate the gang situation and discrimination that exists, and that we could all be treated fairly.”
Name: Romeo Vazques Sanchez
Age: 17
Birthplace: Texas; but he grew up in Mexico and returned to the United States when he was 15.
Time in the United States: 2 years
Aspirations: Law school
“If you don’t live here and have an understanding when you’re young, languages are difficult. I’m learning almost double what I learned in Mexico.”
Name: Oswaldo Urbina
Age: 17
Birthplace: Leon, Nicaragua
Time in the United States: 3 years
Aspirations: Community college and then a four-year university
“I understand English. I read a lot, but I don’t speak a lot. My mom speaks English because she’s been here for 12 years.”
Name: Gabriela Vargas
Age: 17
Birthplace: Martinez
Time in the United States: 17 years
Aspirations: Cosmetology school
“For me, it’s important to know two languages. It’s good for a job. I was in bilingual classes and they showed me how to speak English. It’s a good thing.”
Name: Leslie Vilchis
Age: 17
Birthplace: Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Time in the United States: One month
Aspirations: College to study pharmacology
“It’s good to be able to take classes in Spanish, but there’s more disorder here. I have seen the students don’t have respect for the teachers. I prefer to have the classes in Spanish so that I will learn the same as others who speak English. If not, I would be behind academically.”
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