Waneshka Mendez  

05/12/2024 

English110 

Prof. Lobell 

Self-Assessment Essay 

I do not really know what to talk about, but this is a common occurrence when it comes to writing assignments. I often find myself staring at a blank page with just a simple heading and my name on it. Waiting for something to come to my head, I do not know what I am waiting for, whether it is a stroke of genius or inspiration. I feel as if I am a painter who is staring at a blank canvas not knowing where to put the first stroke or what color to start with. I just sit there with these thoughts that swirl around in my head, not knowing what direction it is that I want to take when it comes to my work. Should I just start typing away and hope that it makes sense, and I am able to get a good grade on it? Or do I want to take my time to deliver a piece that I can take a sense of pride in and have some appreciation for? Even right now as I struggle to complete this assignment, I do not know what I want to do. Whether or not I want to just ramble on and hope that eventually I stumble along a path that hopefully takes me down the right road. I often find myself just rambling about nothing in these documents hoping that it makes sense and has some type of cohesion. 

I have not always been the writer that I am today, at an early age I would just take the effortless way out of everything. I would just string together sentences that corresponded to the prompt I was given and take whatever grade I was given. I always had some type of justification for it as well, a grade is better than nothing. At least I put something down and I cannot get an automatic F because at least I put something down. It has taken a lot of struggle and self-reflection for me to be the writer that I am today. While I have much to learn from and I still make simple mistakes, I am proud to say that I have improved dramatically in the way that I write. I no longer just put words on a document to get a grade, I go back and read my work and make sure that I am one hundred percent satisfied with the work that I have done. Even after I submit my work I go back and check what it is that I could I have improved upon. I could have said this better or worded this differently to deliver a more powerful message. I am constantly trying to improve my vocabulary so that I am not one dimensional and predictable. 

This course has allowed me to really express myself through writing, I feel free in my writing and do not feel restricted to a certain type of writing just to satisfy the other person on the screen reading my work. I am allowed to be me, take any direction I want, and confidently say whatever it is that I have on my mind or state however I feel towards a certain topic and not be judge for my opinions but rather my delivery. Society is all about putting people in boxes and trying to categorize people. It is nice to know that I can come to this course and have some type of escape for those categories even if it is temporarily. 

In delving into literature, I have forged my own pathways, I have developed strategies and perspectives that diverge from the traditional methods I encountered in high school. Back then, I often found the prescribed strategies to be limiting, constraining the interpretation of texts to a single dimension. However, my approach now is far more critical and multifaceted. Instead of accepting interpretations at face value, I engage with literature through a lens of inquiry, constantly questioning the effectiveness of the message delivery and considering alternative ways it could have been articulated while maintaining its intended tone. This analytical mindset enables me to dissect texts with precision, probing beyond the surface to discern the underlying intentions of the writer and the nuanced choices they make in their expression. 

Contemplating language attitudes has been an enlightening journey, revealing the intricate ways in which language norms can either empower or marginalize individuals within society. Recognizing the disparities inherent in language usage has broadened my perspective on societal dynamics and the complex interplay of power structures at play. Engaging with various writing styles has been a richly rewarding experience, offering me a diverse toolkit to express myself creatively and analytically. From dissecting persuasive essays to crafting my own narratives, each encounter has deepened my understanding of the nuanced artistry behind effective communication.  Evolving my writing strategies has been a process of continual improvement and adaptation. Through active reading, collaborative efforts, and iterative revisions, I have honed my approach to crafting coherent and impactful written pieces. Yet, I remain committed to further refining these strategies to achieve even greater clarity and organization in my writing.  

Delving into rhetorical strategies has been both fascinating and challenging, as I strive to incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos effectively into my persuasive writing. While I have made strides in applying these techniques, there’s still room for growth in consistently leveraging them to engage and persuade my audience more profoundly. Embracing both print and digital technologies has been essential in navigating today’s multifaceted communication landscape. From traditional essays to modern presentations, I have explored diverse formats to effectively convey my message across different mediums. However, I recognize the importance of ongoing learning to harness technology more adeptly and reach diverse audiences with greater impact. 

As I conclude this self-assessment essay, I reflect on the journey of growth and transformation that I have undergone as a writer. From the daunting moments of staring at a blank page, unsure of where to begin, to the realization that writing is not merely a task to fulfill but a form of expression to be honed and cherished, my perspective has evolved significantly. Through introspection and perseverance, I have transitioned from a writer who settled for mediocrity to one who strives for excellence, constantly refining my skills and striving for improvement. This course has provided me with the space to explore my voice, unbound by societal constraints, and empowered me to approach literature with a newfound sense of curiosity and critical insight. As I continue this journey, I carry with me the lessons learned and confidence gained, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead in my writing. 

In my personal opinion this essay was very interesting. I don’t know exactly how to feel about it, it didn’t strike any emotion for me. I understand the point of the essay but I feel as if I was writing it just to complete this assignment and not really to gain anything as I was typing.

Waneshka Mendez 

4/24/2024 

English 110 

Prof. Jason Lobell 

Exploring Language Discrimination in Societal Dynamics 

Language serves as a cornerstone of human communication and identity, profoundly influencing both individual experiences and societal interactions, despite the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity that enriches our global community, discrimination based on language remains a pervasive social issue. This research paper aims to delve into the intricate dimensions of language discrimination, shedding light on its profound and wide-ranging effects on individuals and communities alike. Such discrimination not only hampers cultural advancement by marginalizing those who do not conform to linguistic norms but also erects barriers to communication, fostering social isolation and impeding the cohesion essential for thriving communities. Furthermore, it undermines individual dignity and stifles the collective strength of society by disregarding the contribution and perspective of those whose voices are undervalued. Given these implications, addressing language-based discrimination emerges as an urgent imperative for fostering inclusivity and embracing the richness of linguistic diversity within our communities. 

Language discrimination manifests in myriad forms across different spheres of life, from education and employment to healthcare and public services. In educational settings, for instance, students who speak non-dominant languages may face unequal  

access to resources and opportunities, leading to disparities in academic achievement. Similarly, in the workplace, language bias can result in hiring practices that favor individuals who speak certain languages fluently, disadvantaging those who are multilingual or come from linguistic minority backgrounds. Moreover, in healthcare settings, language barriers can impede effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, compromising the quality of care and exacerbating health disparities. By examining these real-world examples of language discrimination, we gain a deeper understanding of its pervasive and far-reaching impacts on individuals’ lives and the broader fabric of society. 

Central to comprehensively addressing language discrimination is the utilization of credible sources that provide empirical evidence and scholarly insights into this complex social phenomenon. By drawing from a diverse range of reputable sources, we can deepen our understanding of the multifaceted nature of language discrimination and its implications for individuals and societies. In the following section, I will present a curated selection of sources that encompass scholarly articles, research studies, and authoritative publications, each offering valuable perspectives and analyses on the topic at hand. For instance, Safwat Saleem, in his YouTube video titled “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent”, eloquently articulates the personal challenges faced by individuals who endure ridicule due to their language accents. Similarly, Jamila Lyiscott’s insightful TED Talk “3 ways to speak English” offers alternative perspectives on language usage and challenges prevailing notions of linguistic superiority. Furthermore, the timeless essay “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell, available through The Orwell Foundation, provides a thought-provoking examination of language’s power dynamics within colonial contexts. Additionally, Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue” delves into the intricacies of language identity and the societal implications of linguistic discrimination, offering poignant anecdotes and reflections. Each of these sources contributes unique insights to our understanding of language discrimination, enriching our discourse and guiding us towards more inclusive and equitable practices within our communities. 

In Amy Tan’s essay “Mother Tongue,” she talks about the relationship that she has between language, identity, and societal expectations. Tan talks about her experience with her mother’s “broken” English, she highlights the struggles and misunderstanding that arise because of her language differences. She reflects on the various forms of English spoken within her family; it ranges from the “watered-down” version used at home to the more formal English which is employed in public settings. Through her own personal anecdotes, Tan shows the complexities of language dynamics, demonstrating how language proficiency does not necessarily correlate with intelligence or capability. She points out, “I spend a great deal of my time thinking about the power of language – the way it can evoke an emotion, a visual image, a complex idea, or a simple truth,” Tan emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and embracing linguistic diversity, arguing that language is not just a tool for communication but also a reflection of one’s cultural heritage and personal identity. She asserts, “I am a writer. And by that definition, I am someone who has always loved language. I am fascinated by language in daily life.” Tan’s essay serves as a poignant reminder of the social and cultural significance of language, urging readers to challenge stereotypes and embrace the richness of linguistic diversity.  

In George Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant,” he offers a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with the complexities of language discrimination within colonial contexts. Orwell recounts his experience as a British colonial police officer in Burma, where he is confronted with the daunting task of shooting a rogue elephant that has killed a local man. Embedded within this narrative is the pervasive influence of language as a tool of power and control. Orwell describes the pressure he feels to conform to the expectations of the Burmese crowd, whose perception of him as a representative of colonial authority hinges on his ability to assert dominance over the situation. This pressure mirrors the societal expectations imposed on individuals to adhere to linguistic norms and hierarchies, even at the expense of their own moral integrity. Orwell’s internal conflict underscores the coercive nature of language discrimination, where the fear of judgment and ostracization compels individuals to suppress their authentic voices and conform to oppressive linguistic standards. Through his vivid portrayal of the moral dilemmas inherent in colonialism, Orwell prompts readers to reflect on the insidious ways in which language discrimination perpetuates systems of power and oppression, both historically and in contemporary society.  

In Jamila Lyiscott’s compelling TED Talk, “3 Ways to Speak English,” she confronts the pervasive issue of language discrimination through a lens of linguistic diversity and empowerment. Lyiscott challenges the notion of a singular, standardized form of English by presenting three distinct “codes” of English: the language of the home, the language of the school, and the language of the community. By acknowledging and celebrating the multiplicity of English-speaking experiences, Lyiscott disrupts the traditional hierarchy that places certain dialects or accents above others. Her talk resonates deeply with the struggles faced by individuals who speak non-standard varieties of English and who are often marginalized or stigmatized as a result. Lyiscott’s emphasis on the importance of valuing and preserving diverse linguistic traditions serves as a powerful antidote to language discrimination, encouraging listeners to embrace linguistic diversity as a source of strength rather than a marker of inferiority. Through her impassioned advocacy for linguistic justice, Lyiscott inspires viewers to challenge prevailing norms and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society where all forms of English are recognized and respected. 

In Safwat Saleem’s poignant TED Talk, “Why I keep Speaking Up, Even When People Mock My Accent,” he courageously shares his personal experiences with language discrimination and the resilience he embodies in the face of adversity. Saleem’s narrative sheds light on the profound impact of accent-based discrimination on individuals’ sense of self-worth and belonging. He articulates the challenges he has faced due to his accent, recounting instances of ridicule and marginalization from others. Saleem’s unwavering commitment to speaking up despite the mockery he endures underscores the importance of reclaiming agency and asserting one’s voice in the face of discrimination. His video serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals who refuse to be silenced by societal biases and expectations. By sharing his story, Saleem not only raises awareness about the pervasive issue of language discrimination but also inspires others to embrace their identities and speak out against injustice. Through his advocacy for self-expression and authenticity, Saleem empowers viewers to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the richness of linguistic diversity in our communities. 

In examining the pervasive issue of language discrimination, insights from various scholarly articles provide valuable perspectives on its impact on language learners and educational settings. Lippi-Green’s (1997) article, “Language Discrimination: An Unnoticed Barrier to ESL Instruction,” sheds light on the subtle yet significant barriers faced by English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in educational environments. Similarly, Li and Lyster (2017) delve into the experiences of international graduate students in Canada in their article, “Perceived Discrimination in English as a Second Language Classrooms,” highlighting the detrimental effects of perceived discrimination on language acquisition and academic success. Furthermore, Harper et al. (2019) contribute to this discourse with their article, “Language-Based Discrimination in Schools: A Problem of Practice,” which examines the systemic nature of language discrimination in educational policy and practice. Together, these articles underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address language discrimination in educational settings and foster inclusive learning environments that support linguistic diversity and equitable access to education. 

In exploring the intricate dynamics of language discrimination, various sources—from scholarly articles to personal narratives—offer invaluable insights into its pervasive nature and far-reaching consequences. Safwat Saleem’s courageous recounting of his experiences with accent-based discrimination underscores the deeply personal impact of language biases, shedding light on the resilience required to navigate such challenges. Similarly, scholarly research by authors such as Lippi-Green, Li, Lyster, Harper, and their colleagues provides nuanced perspectives on the systemic nature of language discrimination in educational settings and beyond. From Lippi-Green’s exploration of the barriers faced by ESL learners to Li and Lyster’s examination of perceived discrimination among international students, and Harper et al.’s analysis of language-based discrimination in schools, a comprehensive understanding of the issue emerges. Collectively, these sources highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to address language discrimination, foster inclusive environments, and celebrate the richness of linguistic diversity. Through advocacy, education, and policy reform, we can work towards a future where every individual is valued and respected for their unique linguistic heritage and expression. By challenging stereotypes, amplifying marginalized voices, and embracing linguistic diversity, we can build a more equitable and inclusive society where language discrimination has no place. 

Works Cited 

• Saleem, Safwat “Why I keep speaking up, even when people mock my accent” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4a0NvLTebw 
• Lyiscott, Jamila “3 ways to speak English” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9fmJ5xQ_mc 
• Orwell, George. “Shooting an Elephant.” The Orwell Foundation, 18 Jan. 2024, www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-foundation/orwell/essays-and-other-works/shooting-an-elephant/. 
• Tan, Amy. Mother Tongue, by Amy Tan, www.umsl.edu/~alexanderjm/Mother Tongue by Tan.pdf. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024. 

1. Article Title: “Language Discrimination: An Unnoticed Barrier to ESL Instruction” 

• Authors: Lippi-Green, Rosina 
• Journal: TESOL Quarterly 
• Year: 1997 

2. Article Title: “Perceived Discrimination in English as a Second Language Classrooms: Insights from International Graduate Students in Canada” 

• Authors: Li, Huan, and Roy Lyster 
• Journal: The Modern Language Journal 
• Year: 2017 

3. Article Title: “Language-Based Discrimination in Schools: A problem of Practice” 

• Authors: Harper, Rhonda, et al. 
• Journal: Educational Policy 
• Year: 2019 

I had more fun than I anticipated I was going to have. I thought even though I really admire my aunt and feel very comfortable with her, it caught me off guard that she was open and willing to share as much as she did. And honestly, I learnt more about her and things that she isn’t normally so vocal about. She had gone into more depth about some topics and I respected her wishes leaving them out which really comes to show our relationship. Some of the things I learnt I was surprised she had gone through that or experienced it but it made her who she is today. I am truly content with the work I did because I feel not only did I get the assignment done, I was also able to show you a little bit of my aunt and a small part of my personality as well. I think this piece shows small parts or gives minor details about significant aspects of my life.

Waneshka Mendez  

Engl1100 

Prof Lobell  

Me: What is your name  

Aunt: Ana  

Me: When and where were you born? 

Aunt: I was born In Dominican Republic in 1962. 

Me: What languages do you speak? 

Aunt: I speak Spanish. 

Me: Where did you grow up? 

Aunt: DR. I lived there until I was 28.  

Me: How did you grow up? 

Aunt: Well, in total we were 10 siblings. My mother died when I was 6. At that time, my father was a farmer. With my mom’s passing he left that job and sold most of his property to be able to rent out a store closer to where we lived. This was his way of being able to raise us. My uncle played a crucial role in our childhood. He helped my dad out when he was working. When people came to our house, they would think we were being raised like animals in which you could ask to have one of us. But my father never separated us. He was our mom and dad; he gave us advice and taught us the ways of God. The love he gave us was enough to fill the void of our mom. When we made a mistake, he would explain what we did wrong in a way we would understand depending on our age. For all the good we did he would celebrate. Despite not having a lot of necessities and being poor, we were all happy. We had an unimaginable childhood.  

Me: What jobs have you had? What is your current job status? 

Aunt: I was a professional hairdresser. I am disabled now so I don’t work. 

Me: Where did you first settle here? Why? 

Aunt: When I first arrived here, I came with my daughter who at the time was a year old. I settled in Washington Heights because it was the only place in which I had a family member. My brother welcomed both me and my daughter with open arms.  

Me: What was the biggest difference between the two countries? 

Aunt: The temperature. I landed on January 15, so it was very cold for me let alone my daughter. As well as I did not have as much help with my daughter as I did before I came.  My brother helped as much as he could but there wasn’t much he could do. The language barrier was also very difficult. The salon I worked at was not in a predominately Spanish speaking neighborhood, so I was bound to come across people who didn’t speak Spanish at all. So, communicating with my clients was very challenging.  

Me: What was the most difficult part about moving?  

Aunt: The most difficult part of moving here was moving away from most of my family. As I said earlier at the time of my arrival, I only had my brother. Despite all the help he offered, it was still very hard for me to adjust to a new environment. 

Me: How important is religion to you?  

Aunt: Personally, religion is very important to me because growing up I was told through any ups and downs turning to God will help you prosper and give you the strength you need to continue. I really became more of a religious person after coming to America because it was hard to want to continue when it felt like everything was pinned against you. Having to start from scratch for two wasn’t easy. So, every time I felt like giving up, I turned to God in hopes he would give me the strength I needed to persevere. 

Me: What traditions do you have with your family?  

Aunt: The only tradition we really had was to celebrate anything. Birthdays, easter, Christmas, etc. Even if it wasn’t a big party, there would always be some sort of food made in a buffet style. Praying daily was also a big part of my life.  

Me: Did you pass on these traditions?  

Aunt: Yes. With my daughter I taught her the importance of religion. In my eyes if she sought a relationship with God, she will always be safe and never make any bad decisions. I taught her to consider whether whatever she wants to do would be seen as a good or bad thing in life. I never raised my voice at her or turned to violence to discipline her, just like my father I would explain her wrongdoing in a way she would understand. I taught her besides any negative you have going on in your life, turn to God and he’ll fix it for you. As for the celebrations, I celebrated all her successes and birthdays and significant events. Even if I couldn’t afford it.  

Me: What’s the biggest difference in the economy now than from when you first came? 

Aunt: Honestly everything is way more expensive now. 

Me: What’s one piece of advice you would give to future generations? 

Aunt: Never let any obstacle get in the way of achieving anything you want. Do not waste your time trying to make other people’s dreams come true, pursue your own dreams and don’t always please others. 

SUMMARY

Not going to lie being able to complete this assignment quickly became more challenging than I expected it to become because life happens. The person I felt most comfortable with interviewing ended up experiencing serious medical problems, whenever she was available, I wasn’t and vice versa. Nevertheless, my work managers contacted me basically informing me that the store was closed and that I had the day off, which worked out perfectly because I was able to sit down and take my time to interview her. Before writing the transcript, I was going to have a voice recording, but she got a little too emotional and asked me if that there was another way I could present it, and if there was if I could shorten her answers. Despite all the challenges I faced getting started I was still able to learn a lot about how her life played out from an early age. Even though we are very comfortable and have a close relationship she has never gone into so much detail about her past, family, and upbringing.  

Honestly I just asked her the questions and allowed her to go in any direction she wanted with them. I allowed her to answer the questions however she interpreted the questions. Some of the things I learned more information about was the fact that her mom had passed away at such an early age. She had told me that her family struggled throughout her childhood, but I didn’t know that her dad had to give up so much just to raise them. As mentioned previously, there were some things that were left out of the transcript such as the fact that there were 5 boys and 5 girls, but the girls were being raised as housewives. Which entailed them cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the men even though they were younger. While the men were being taught to work physical labor jobs and take care of the household financially. She went into detail about how she tried to provide a gentle parenting style to her daughter the same way her father did for her, but she wasn’t able to teach her anything besides cooking, cleaning, and caring for other because that’s how what she was taught. I later came to find out that most of the things her daughter knows were self-taught, besides stereotypical housewife’s duties. I was always under the impression that my aunt was the one to teach her daughter everything she knew. Furthermore, the same way my aunt’s father had to play the role of mom and dad she had to do the same thing for her daughter. Even though my aunt made the decision to leave her family behind to start a new life in America she never forgot about her family and always looked out for them. For example, the same way her brother was able to bring her here she did the same for the rest of her siblings. I have never seen my aunt get so emotional speaking about this topic before.  

As a child I always wanted to be with my aunt because of the safety and stability she provided. She provided a of that for me which means a lot to me because I know that during her childhood, she was not always provided that. She stated that she grew up poor, and even though her dad tried his best to provide for her, they never really knew how big their next meal would be or even if it would be enough for all of them. She faced a lot of hardships in her youth, but she doesn’t allow that to impact the person she is today, if you were to sit down and have a conversation with her you would never assume she faced any of the challenges she did. She upholds herself as a loving god-fearing woman and maintains a very clean image of herself. Although I already looked up to her and had a lot of respect for her this shined a light I had never seen on her before.  

I am going to be honest I did not enjoy this assignment because having to go back into how I felt in those moments to give enough detail for the reader to understand and feel what I felt in that moment was difficult. I had completely forgotten about the details of moments until I really thought about it, the variety of emotions I was experiencing in those situations were very much still remembered. I haven’t felt like that since that moment and because I didn’t enjoy it at the time, recalling the memory was honestly making me think about how much I have learned and grown since then. Overall, I am glad I was able to write out these situations with enough details for the reader to really understand it.

Waneshka Mendez

ENGL 11000

LL Narrative Draft

 

My first language was Spanish; I spoke it at home, outside, and even at school when I first  started attending. Growing up, I was never taught how to speak English until I was about five or six years old. When I did start speaking English, I had a lot of difficulty with it; there were many phrases and words that I did not fully understand at that time; there were many times where I got stuck in conversation because I did not know what to say. All throughout elementary and middle school I struggled with how to speak to certain people; everything I said came off as authoritative or disrespectful. Now even though I was better at one language than the other, I spoke both languages, so I was able to call myself bilingual. Eventually, I started to make friends who forced me to speak English undeterred by the accent, despite using the wrong words, and even despite coming off as authoritative. I quickly overcame the difficulties I had in the beginning. Now being able to speak, read, and write both languages, I can say that this experience has both helped me and lowered my self-esteem. Now that I spoke English, I only spoke it outside of my house being school, with my friends, my teachers, and doctors; at home I spoke Spanish only.

By the time I started my middle school career, I had already been speaking both languages fluently, so I only really struggled with putting both languages in one sentence. I will never forget the presentation I had to do in my social studies class. I had to explain the 27 amendments, what they meant, how we got them and an example of how we can use them. Within the first couple minutes of my presentation, I was explaining the first ten amendments which are called the Bill of Rights. I was explaining the 4^th amendment, when I said, “You have the right to say no to a police officer cuando no tienen a warrant.” Basically, I was saying you can deny a police officer of a search of anything if the officer does not have a warrant. The majority of the class understood what I wanted to say, but I still heard the chuckles, the holding back of laughs, and the silent whispering. Everything being done by my classmates and so-called friends made me embarrassed. I was ashamed to even have tried to be one of the first to present. This made me feel so disconnected from everybody, I had to pause for the teacher to quiet down the class. Before continuing with the slideshow, I had to take a pause, I stuttered, they laughed again. I remember it was a chilly Tuesday morning, I bit my tongue and looked at my teacher, hoping she would see the tears forming in my eyes and give me permission to end my presentation and excuse me, which she did. I went to my counselor who knew I already felt disconnected; After that day, I had a discussion with myself in the mirror and promised myself that I would improve my English and never let people frustrate me because of the way I speak. Till this day, I have not let anybody lower my confidence with how I speak. When I think about that moment it makes me think about the stories my mom used to tell me about when she first came to America and how she felt alone because of the language barrier.

At home, I was most comfortable communicating with my sisters in Spanish, one of them especially. Throughout the years, the activities we do with one another let it be cooking, shopping, or even chilling right next to each other, the small number of words exchanged are spoken in Spanish. She and I have learned and understood each other’s boundaries by having long conversations, sometimes hours long, entirely in Spanish, mainly during COVID. Because we spent the entire quarantine together, we made it a priority to learn how to speak to each other and respect one another’s feelings. We told each other every time we were feeling any kind of emotion, we would tell each other so we do not overstep any boundaries. Being able to speak it to each other helped us a great deal with learning more about each other.

I did not think I would ever actually need the knowledge I have on the Spanish language until my first year of high school and I had to take an Italian class. This was a graduation requirement, so there was no way I could get out of it. When the teacher began to teach the class how to count, she said,” uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque, etc.” She went around having each kid count to five and when it was my turn I said, uno, dos, tres, cuatro, cinco.” In that class I knew my accent would not be a problem but an asset, she said, “that is Spanish not Italian. I know it sounds similar, but you just have to change some of the doing.” She really made me feel as if my knowing Spanish was already going to be put to good use. Throughout the semester she would use and teach me examples in Spanish, so she was sure I was still understanding the material. Once it was clear I understood the Spanish reference she switched certain parts of it and turned it into Italian so now I understand it in Italian as well. I was immensely proud of myself by the end of that semester because I had ended up passing that class with excellence thanks to my teacher and my knowledge in Spanish.