In Spanish III this year, we had two major units of study that connected with the following two mini-novels: El Ekeko and Testigo: La Historia de Bryan. Throughout these units of study we developed our knowledge of Bolivian geography, culture, religion, indigenous culture, Cholitas, history, and food (during the Ekeko unit) as well as our knowledge of Guatemala, Mexico, immigration policies, asylum, human trafficking, and the prevalence of gang violence in Central America as a whole (in Testigo.)
I most remember and enjoyed the days in which we cooked food and learned about the affect of culture on food in relation to Bolivia.
Throughout this whole process the subject I found most interesting was the lack of efficient ways to immigrate into America, even in dire situations. The idea that a child who has just travelled the length of Mexico alone, due to gang violence, can be turned away at the border seems horrifying. There is really no good, legal, or safe way to cross the border, because if you wait your safety is in jeopardy, and if you go, your safety is in jeopardy.
Throughout these units I think I have grown a lot in my Spanish. By no means am I yet fluent, or even good, but I am confident in my ability to have a simple conversation in this language without making a fool of myself. With the vocabulary, grammar, and present and past tense conjugations of different words I feel that I can continue to future my knowledge of the language if and when given the opportunity. I would really like to continue towards fluency in the future, preferably through travel.
Throughout this whole process the subject I found most interesting was the lack of efficient ways to immigrate into America, even in dire situations. The idea that a child who has just travelled the length of Mexico alone, due to gang violence, can be turned away at the border seems horrifying. There is really no good, legal, or safe way to cross the border, because if you wait your safety is in jeopardy, and if you go, your safety is in jeopardy.
Throughout these units I think I have grown a lot in my Spanish. By no means am I yet fluent, or even good, but I am confident in my ability to have a simple conversation in this language without making a fool of myself. With the vocabulary, grammar, and present and past tense conjugations of different words I feel that I can continue to future my knowledge of the language if and when given the opportunity. I would really like to continue towards fluency in the future, preferably through travel.