New Frontiers.

Trying to learn a new language has given me a lot more than just the ability to speak English, it has given me unexpected relationships with new people. The emotions involved with learning and speaking a new language has made it one of my most powerful life experiences. I am constantly forced to push through fears, maintain hope, and persevere daily to see a different side of people. I am surprised by how difficult it has been to for me to adjust.
At first, I became so frustrated trying to learn English that I threatened to quit taking classes all together. Taking English as a Second Language (ESL) made me feel like I was going backwards pursuing a career. I deeply resented going to ESL class each day. The reason, I felt it was being forced upon me in order to take biology courses; I love science courses, I studied chemistry while attending high school in Brazil. During ESL classes I felt like I would never progress. For example one day I called the kitchen table a “Chicken table”. It is funny now, but I felt humiliated at the time. I felt like my two-year old niece was learning how to speak English quicker than me. After pushing though the ESL program, I was able to engage people more confidently. However, I constantly worried too much about people judging me based on my accent and not my capabilities. After having success in non-language courses, I still avoid academic and professional situations that focus on English language.
After three years applying for the dental hygiene program, I was finally blessed with the acceptance to this very hard college program. During the first week of classes, I noticed that I was the only second-language student in the program. I felt proud of myself, but questioned if I could compete at the same level of my native English speaking peers. I was trying to reach out for the girls; after all, they were going to be like a family for the next two years. Early in the program I felt intimidated when all the other girls formed small groups without me. I kept quiet. I always sat in the last row of the classroom. It seemed to me the girls looked at me under their nose. I can’t explain why, but one day I decided that I was no longer willing to see myself as the underdog. I wanted to be a part of the group of girls, just like everyone else. I reluctantly accepted an invitation to go and meet the girls for a San Patrick’s Day party. I dreaded the thought, but I knew I should once again face my fear of engaging a group of peers. To my surprise, everything changed that night. The girls were quite different than I expected. They all began talking to me and giving me lots of attention, hugging me. Now I know that I can fit in with new friends.
I had two vivid experiences when perseverance has helped me push through major conflicts in my life. Instead of running away, I faced the fear and gained confidence, maturity, and friends. Learning a new language was not only a challenge, but also an essential tool to express my feelings. My persistence in education has opened new frontiers to a whole world beyond academics.