Editor’s note: This essay was submitted by a student at Kensington Creative and Performing Arts High School through a community partnership with Kensington Voice. The essay was developed from an autobiography assignment that Rebecca Mulligan assigned to students who speak English as a second language to improve their English proficiency.
On Oct. 30, 2018, I had a big birthday party at my house with my family and friends. It was a fun and important time for me because it was my last party with them. I was thankful to be with my family, especially my grandfather, who was still alive at the time.
After that party, my life was going to change.
Later in September 2019, I moved from Honduras to the United States. I was happy because I spent eight years without my mom. She came to the United States to find work to support my brother and me. My mom was so excited to see me after so long. She even cried from happiness.
I felt happy to be with my mom, but I missed my family in Honduras. I was also sad because I was being bullied at my new school. No one really knew what was going on because I kept it to myself. Being reunited with my mom, I felt happy and safe with her.
I really feel glad to be here in the United States. I have done many things. I made new friends. I have changed my tastes, my appearance, and my goals. I am learning a new language. That makes me feel proud of myself. My life has changed for both better and worse. But I have missed my family too much, especially my grandmother and cousin, who is practically like my sister.
Years later, in 2022, my grandfather died. It was an emotional time for me because I didn’t have a father, and my grandfather was my father for me. I loved my grandfather, so when he died, I felt very sad. I felt hopeless. My family was also sad. My family is very important in my life, especially my mother, my brother, my cousin/sister, and my grandmother. I love them with all my being. They are the only people who have really been with me and support me. I will always be grateful for them.
Despite my losses, I had some wins. That same year, I remember the ESOL teacher said my English was good. It was important to hear that because I’m learning English. I felt happy because it’s hard to speak English. The teacher was kind because she saw that my English was good.
From a very young age, I wanted to be a teacher. Then I realized that I’d be very bad at it. I don’t have patience. What I really love is acting. I realized this at 12 years old. I’m 15 years old now and continuing to work toward that goal. I would like to act in English and Spanish movies and TV series, but I have to gain experience as an actor. I always try practicing alone with shows that I watch. I always learn the scripts for my favorite character in a movie or series. When I practice with that, I imagine myself as the actor.
My message to people who might be going through the same thing is never give up on your goals. Dreams always come true. Remember that all those famous actors had dreams, and now they are in Hollywood.
Editors: Siani Colón, Zari Tarazona / Designer: Siani Colón
