La Negra y Los Latinos

Today was my last day teaching my English class and it was bittersweet!! For the past three months, my Tuesday and Thursday nights were dedicated to teaching English; some days were better than others but I enjoyed every minute of it. Prior to this experience, I had never taught a group of people, let alone teach people another language. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I showed up bright eyed and ready to teach them my first language to the best of my ability. My first class was a disaster and I now understand and fully appreciate lesson plans. I usually think quick on my feet but when there is a language barrier things get to be a little complicated. As my class went on, I learned more and more about the people that I was teaching.

Many of them had moved from their respective countries to the United States in search of work. Some of my students have been in the United States for 5 plus and still don't speak English well. This was fact that baffled me. How can one live in this country for that long and still not know the language? The more I thought about it and talked to my students, I realized trust and resources are very important. How can you learn the language when you don't know where you can go to learn it?! I also think there is a fear of being taken advantage of which is a very valid feeling to have. One of the things that I loved about Centro Esperanza, the place in which I volunteered, was that Gianella *the director definitely has formed a bond with the Latino community. They know they can come there and get help with whatever they need.

My favorite moments of class were when we discussed their opinions about the United States. Unbeknownst to my students, I had taken class called Intro Latino Studies in which I learned about the Latino Experience in America; topics ranged from the word "Latino" to La Malinche. Through this class, I became well versed in the the people who spoke the language that I love so much. My students voiced their love for this country while highlighting its contradictions. We talked about the unfair law in Arizona and the racism they face in their daily lives. While I listened, I thought about the similarities between being Black and being a Latino in America. I think our experiences are very similar since both groups have found themselves on the bottom rung of society....

But I digress, I could go on and on about this! Despite all of this historical baggage, my experience at Centro Esperanza was a wonderful one!!! *Te quiero mis estudiantes :D