Embracing English: Journey to ESL Mastery

In the heart of the Bronx, New York, during the 1960s, yours truly as a young Cuban immigrant embarked on a challenging journey to learn English as a second language. The path was fraught with ridicule from classmates and admonishments from teachers for not being able to accurately follow instructions. One particular school day, in the midst of a third-grade English class, I misunderstood an assignment and, driven by creativity and an unwavering determination, created my own poem instead of copying the assigned paragraph verbatim. The consequences were swift and harsh, as our dedicated nun teacher used a metallic ruler to swiftly rap my knuckles for what she perceived as disobedience. At that moment, it was clear that the struggle to adapt to a new culture and language was real, and the road ahead was going to be arduous.

This disheartening experience remained etched in my memory, but it also served as a motivating force. Over time, the patience and kindness of other teachers helped to ease the painful memories. Watching television shows like Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street, Ed Sullivan Show, Carol Burnett Show, and I Love Lucy with family, along with playful interactions with classmates on the playground, provided opportunities for informal language learning and cultural assimilation. Every day brought new experiences, new words, and new challenges, but the determination to excel in education only grew stronger.

Within the tight-knit Bronx immigrant community, our family’s dedication to learning English became a shared pursuit. While my father, who had some prior exposure to English, provided essential financial support as the family’s primary breadwinner; my mother, despite her initial struggles with spoken English, took up the mantle to learn and improve. She attended English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, thanks in part to my Dad’s encouragement. In doing so, she set an example for us children, who she tirelessly assisted with homework, instilled a love for learning, and exposed to the beauty of the English language. Through her journey of reading English romance novels, Western-themed novels, and hosting Saturday morning Spanish language classes in our home, she ensured that her children would grow up with a deep connection to their roots while assimilating into the culture of our new home. These experiences culminated in three bi-lingual Cuban-American siblings who thrived in their adopted culture while cherishing their native language.