This week I went to the IPS Newcomer program twice, just to get some more hours in before our and their spring break. On Tuesday, 13 year old Sandy and I talked about her favorite food from America, which was pizza. However, she said that she missed her grandmother’s meals from Guatemala. I did not ask her where her grandmother was now or why she had to leave Guatemala. However, I am so thankful that I have enough Spanish skills to be able to have somewhat meaningful conversations with students like Sandy. I have learned that the kids are much more willing to open up if I speak to them kindly in my best Spanish.
Hector and I talked about how well his week and day were going and got really excited to tell his friends that I was able to speak “poco” (a little) Spanish. My favorite part was that he used the usted form instead of the tu form when addressing me which is a sign of respect. This made me feel so important and proud that he would think of me in such a manner. He was also really impressed and complimentary of my finished art project from the point perspective unit.
The experience of the IPS newcomer students is directly related to and helps me better understand our most recent class discussion and reading of The Cairo House. Gigi says she constantly feels like a chameleon changing her attitude and personas as she navigates different countries and people. I feel that the students of the IPS newcomer program are similar in that they have to be spoken to and are encouraged to speak in English all day during school, yet when they go home they speak an entire different language and enter a whole new culture. On top of this, I found out today that most students are only allowed to stay in the program for one or two years maximum. This means that they will be creating a whole new skin for their chameleon in just a few months.
I feel that every-time I go to IPS and take my very long trek from my car to the entrance of the school, I am in a tired, agitated state. However, there has not been one day where I left the school without wearing a smile. The nature of this community and these kids are helping me learn so much about myself and others by helping me develop my problem solving skills in tough communication situations. This experience only ever heightens my sense of responsibility to others.