My Personal Difference-Immigration and Education

When tuition raises which is almost every year, cries and complains come from those who have to work a couple more hours to make up the difference. But what citizens of this great nation fail to realize is how privileged they are to have the opportunity to receive an education.

People that live right on the other side of the boarder (of all boarders) are not so lucky. Recall the book Three Cups of Tea. What a young girl would give just to have a chance to attend a school.

As I walked into the adult education class at Our Lady of Guadalupe church last Thursday night, I saw the passion to learn on the faces of eight men and women attending the class. These men and women barely speak English. You can see the confusion written all over their face as they turn the pages of their History, Math and Language Arts book, but they are eager to learn.

All they want is a chance. All they want is what so many take for granted. All they want is an education.

I sat back and watched the teacher who devotes his time and resources to educate these eight students. He receives no compensation for his work. His only pay is the happiness he feels when one of his students passes the GED exam. For him, no amount of money could compare to that feeling.

Being second generation Mexican American, I could not help but to relate to these students. Many of them work long hours at jobs that pay less than minimum wage, yet, they do not miss a class. Their devoation is surreal.

As I assisted the teacher in helping the students with their Math and Language Arts lessons, I felt a mixture of emotions. I felt sad for these students that just because they are not citizens of this country, they are treated unfair and they do not have the same opportunities as we do. I felt happy because they are getting an education. And more importantly, they want the education. And then I felt a sense of what more can I do.

The students were very appreciative to me for helping them practice their English and working on Math problems with them.

I went home and gathered all of the books that I could find that I did not need anymore and I donated them to the students of the class. Again, nothing but sincere gratitude came from the students of the class. It was amazing what a simple book that collects dust on our shelves means to someone who wants to learn.

I realized these eight students are very fortunate to have this program offered to them. Then I realized how big this problem is in this nation. My personal difference was rewarding, but it left me aware that there are so many of MY people in this country without the opportunity of an education.

I feel like I need to do more.