Greetings, I am Heidi Sebourn, a senior at Cleveland High School, part of the graduating class of 2024. As part of my Capstone project, I’ve embarked on a collaboration with Mrs. LaFever, an experienced ESL teacher. My project’s focus is centered on in-depth interviews with selected ESL students who have arrived this year from various corners of the world. The objective of this project is to uncover and share the unique stories, values, and perspectives of these individuals by publishing their narratives within our school community.
Meet Chloe: Navigating a New Life in America
In this article, we will refer to our interviewee as ‘Chloe’ to protect their identity, as they have requested anonymity. Chloe is a 14-year-old 9th grade student, who has recently made a move to the United States. She immigrated from Honduras, arriving in the US during the summer, and still uses Spanish as her primary language.
In Honduras, Chloe reached 6th grade before she had to discontinue her education due to financial constraints; education beyond 6th grade required payments her family could not afford. Back in her home country, her immediate family consisted of her dad, mom and brother. Her father worked in a sewing factory which meant that life at home was mainly with her mom and brother. Chloe says that one of the things she misses most about Honduras is the food.
Chloe’s journey to the United States was driven by her aspiration to learn English, a pursuit that was inaccessible to her in Honduras. Despite her fondness for her new life in the U.S., Chloe has found comfort in connecting with other Spanish-speaking individuals, as English remains a challenging language for her. Pronunciation, in particular, poses difficulties. However, she proudly notes that her grades reflect her intelligence and commitment. Interestingly, Chloe sometimes finds herself thinking in English, even though she is not yet fluent. Her mannerisms shift when she speaks in English, leaning towards introversion compared to her extroverted self in Spanish conversations.
Her time at Cleveland High School has been greatly enriched by her teacher, Ms. Olinger, whom she holds in high regard. Chloe expressess contentment and happiness in her school life, surrounded by a supportive community of friends. In her leisure time, Chloe enjoys playing soccer, but she says her ultimate goal is to achieve fluency in English.
As for her occupational dreams, Chloe envisions a future where she balances education with work, assisting her parents however she can. After graduation from high school, she aspires to study and become a nurse and to one day relocate to New York.