Spanish Personal Statement

Rodriguez offers a different standpoint on bilingualism, and an argument he presents is that one must be willing to give up part of their native ways when learning a language to fit into the public. Rodriguez considered Spanish a private language and English a public one. This perception made him reluctant to learn English, but at the same time, it motivated him to become a part of the public by learning its language. Rodriguez uses his family life as an example of his native identity. He was not an English speaker when he was young, but upon learning the language, he drifted away from his family, and describes it rather frankly: “I was an American citizen. But the special feeling of closeness at home was diminished by then. . . . No longer so close; no longer bound tight by the pleasing and troubling knowledge of our public separateness . . . . When I arrived home there would often be

I am Teresa Loce. My desire of attending Queens College is driven by my past experience as an alumni and several other factors. Before I write about those areas allow me to describe what I am currently involved in. I have in the interim since graduating from Queens College, earned a Masters Degree in Early Childhood and have utilized my teaching license to work as a teacher in a day care center and currently a preschool. Presently I have come to the place where further licensure is needed and hence professional education to further my career. Therefore the opportunity to pursue studies at Queens College to obtain my Bilingual Extension Advanced Program appears to me as the clear course to move ahead as a

There are two Educational philosophies that Rodriguez had utilized in his younger years. The philosophy of supporting Bilingual Education was to help Students acquire the skills of a classroom crucial for public success. Supporters would report that children miss out a great deal by not being taught in their family’s language. “They say that children who use their family language in school will retain a sense of their individuality- their ethnic heritage and cultural ties” (Kindle 6236-6237). Supporters would also say that children will have a sense of individuality that retains their family’s language. Giving children something to feel different and have something special. “But then there was Spanish. Español: my family’s language. Español: the language that seemed to be a private language.” (Kindle 5982-5983). Rodriguez shared how it was hard fighting between assimilating to American culture and keeping his connection and heritage alive within him.

I became interested in missions when my family and I lived abroad in Laos, Singapore, and Costa Rica; we had adopted my youngest brother and were in the process of immigrating him back to the United States. I believe that I can use my majors, Spanish and music (piano pedagogy) in evangelism and in furthering Christ and His Kingdom.

As long as I can remember my accent has always played a role in my life. There have been moments of uncertainty, discouragement, annoyance, and lastly pride. Throughout each emotional stage I’ve learn acceptance and responsibility of what defines me as a women who happens to be Latina. In Tanya Barrientos “Se Habla Español” she defines what resonates within me “Without having to offer apologies or show remorse. If it will help, I will go first. Aqui estoy. Spanish-challenged and pura Latina (45). She beautifully states the acceptance that too many find difficulty fitting in. Especially in a world that will defined you not only by your looks but as well as the way you speak.

Subsequent to wandering into the room full of Spanish posters, I made eye contact with the teacher. I was expecting a “Hello, ready to learn Spanish?” when the words that were projected throughout the classroom were “¡Buenas tardes!” followed by “¿Cómo te llamas?” I was undoubtedly puzzled by the few words said by the teacher. At that moment I realized how beneficial being bilingual is and that the knowledge of another language could be used in different parts of the world.

Rodriguez builds a formidable case against bilingual education with his bilingual childhood experiences. Rodriguez grew up speaking Spanish, but then learned how to speak English later in life so he knows what effects bilingual education has on bilingual kids who grew up speaking a private language at homes. When Rodriguez first came to the United States in Sacramento, California he understood “about fifty stray English words” (Richard Rodriguez “Aria: A Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood”). He was a Mexican immigrant whose family only knew how to speak Spanish. The neighbors of Rodriguez’s family didn’t like them, so when they were out walking they would tell Rodriguez’s parents “Keep your brats away from my sidewalk!” (Rodriguez 571). Rodriguez loses the “special feeling of closeness at home” when he learned English (Rodriguez 577). Personal experiences are what makes him a credible author. Rodriguez used strong ethos and pathos appeals, but he didn’t use strong logos appeals. He didn’t use facts or reasoning in his memoir to prove his points against bilingual education.

I am Jonelsy Gonzalez and I am a senior at Eastside High School. In school, I’ve played an active role throughout my four years. Starting from freshman year I have been in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps which shows students how to become well-rounded individuals. From my freshman year, I have been moving up through the ranks by showing my abilities as a leader and also through academics. Through my hard work and dedication, I was given the honor to be my battalion's Executive Officer my senior year. My job is to ensure that the battalion runs smoothly by supervising my staff. My staff handles things such as operations, security, and equipment. Also, my job is to ensure a connection between our Senior Army Instructor and our cadets. Without motivating myself, I wouldn’t have started my battalion’s service learning project and also be an example of how a better citizen should be. I also am a member of the National Honor Society since my junior year which promotes academics and giving back to the community. Since the beginning of my senior year, I have been the Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society. The Spanish Honor Society promotes

Being a Mexican-American, who was raised in the small town of Encarnación de Díaz – located at Los Altos de Jalisco, MX, – and then moved at the age of seventeen to Corpus Christi, TX, was not a smooth transition. The most difficult things I have encountered in my life must have been speaking a new language and adapting to a new type of living. I was fortunate enough to have amazing teachers who taught me to read, write and speak in English back in Mexico, but I was still not confident enough to speak the language when I arrived here. Although, many have told me that my English doesn’t sound as if I just moved here five years ago, I still believe I have so much more to learn.

Initially, I was an Ecuadorian girl that had a Christian family, I grew up surrounded by my family and loved ones. My cognitive development was in progress, and I had created fundamental bonds in Ecuador. Provided that my dad is an American citizen and due to his work in America, he could not spend too much time with us in Ecuador, so, my mom, my little brother, and I immigrated to America. After three years of my life, our family reunited, and I became an Ecuadorian-American. Since I was very young, assimilating the changes came to be unnoticed, if it weren’t for the fact that during the next years I spoke Spanish at home and English at school. As a result, my translations of these languages affected my communication, creating slow comprehensive

I am a Spanish major with a track in Secondary Education and a minor in International Studies, and I am an Honors College student. Hence, my course schedule is rather tight and does not have much flexibility. This study abroad program is of great assistance, as I will be able to get credits for my Spanish major and Honors College electives during the summer while exploring a new country. Through this experience, I will be able to enhance my academic interests. I am hoping to immensely improve my Spanish language skills and see education from an international perspective. Also, the Honors College emphasizes the importance of experiential learning through study abroad. In addition, my professional career goals include teaching Spanish and going

Richard Rodriguez, son of Mexican immigrants, was born and raised in California. As a result, he was exposed to several languages during his childhood. Rodriguez grew up listening to Spanish at home, but English was a strange and foreign language for him. In his essay “A Memoir of a Bilingual Child,” Rodriguez compares his native Spanish to the English that surrounds him. Through characterization and the tone, Rodriguez gives the reader a better understanding of the similarities and differences he finds in the two languages present in his life.

With enrollment in the PLME, I would be able to pursue my personal interests in Hispanic Literatures and Culture, Spanish Language, Education, and Social Behavior and apply these lessons to real life situations afforded by the program’s enrichment opportunities.

highly qualified status in Spanish. My ability to build positive relationships with students and peers, variety of

Although my undergraduate minor was Spanish, following graduation there were few opportunities to practice Spanish; therefore, I