Blog #1

As I began reading the book by Quinones and processing the word immigration, what came to my mind were the students in my classroom. Over half my students are Hispanic. Some are in this country legally and some are not. So, when it comes to immigration I am filled with mixed emotions because I am looking into the eyes of an innocent five year old. I believe my job as an educator is to accept them and provide them with the same opportunities as any other child. Don't they deserve the same rewarding educational experience as any other child? Why can't they be successful?

Yes, I can see where it is becoming an issue and I become very frustrated when I have to press 1 when calling a business to get English, but I don’t believe it is going to change and deep inside I don’t know if I want it to or not. I don’t mean to say I agree with having to press a number to receive services in my native language, but should they not have the opportunity to receive services in their native language. At the same time, how would I feel if they were living in my neighborhood, playing with my children, and socializing in my home? I don’t know if I have an answer or one I would be happy to admit because I know I love the children in my classroom and the families represented are very hard-workers and strive for their children to be successful. It’s as though we have come to accept Blacks, Asians, and Chinese into our neighborhoods but we don’t see the Hispanic population. Why? It’s as though they create their own community and don’t step out of those boundaries. Is this by choice or society?

I do think Quinones chapter on The Saga of South Gate showed just how willing immigrants are to be involved once they understand. Parents in my classroom are more than willing to participate in their child's education once the lines of communication were established in their native language. This community came together to do away with the corrupt Albert Robles and once again build upon what they came to America for, democracy.

I know as a teacher my emotions are involved because I truly believe we can make a difference in their lives and they can succeed, but at times I think society wants them to fail.
No, I do not believe they should stay in this country illegally, and yes I am filled with fear at times as to what will become of our country if illegal immigration continues. What will be the face of America?

As for the question, do I have any suggestions for immigration reform? I guess I don't really have any at this time. All I do know is the students in my class have impacted my life over the past school year and have opened my eyes to the importance and relevance of understanding one's cultural and ethnic background. It's not just about me impacting their lives but how they impact my life as well.

New experiences

Well, I actually cannot believe I am blogging. Not sure exactly what I am doing. This is defintely a new experience for me. I look forward to more blogging. I don't think my children know what to say about their mom blogging.