Our students are some of the finest people I've ever met, and they are constantly overcoming challenges that most of us cannot imagine. Most come from families experiencing poverty. About half of them are first-generation immigrants. Many have come from refugee camps and seen violence in their homelands.
Almost two-thirds of them are or were English language learners. At home they are hearing Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Ethiopian, Arabic, and probably other languages in addition to English. This may sound like a recipe for chaos and disharmony, but they all get along well with each other. They mix and mingle freely, finding friendship across boundaries of language, skin color, and religion.
What strikes me most about these students is how many of them are so eager to learn and reach for a better life for themselves and their families. With few exceptions, they are upbeat, kind, thoughtful, and are ready to face challenges with a smile.
About my class
Our students are some of the finest people I've ever met, and they are constantly overcoming challenges that most of us cannot imagine. Most come from families experiencing poverty. About half of them are first-generation immigrants. Many have come from refugee camps and seen violence in their homelands.
Almost two-thirds of them are or were English language learners. At home they are hearing Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Ethiopian, Arabic, and probably other languages in addition to English. This may sound like a recipe for chaos and disharmony, but they all get along well with each other. They mix and mingle freely, finding friendship across boundaries of language, skin color, and religion.
What strikes me most about these students is how many of them are so eager to learn and reach for a better life for themselves and their families. With few exceptions, they are upbeat, kind, thoughtful, and are ready to face challenges with a smile.
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