The Stanford University gives young people the opportunity to get closer to and get to know the Latin community, learning Spanish, art, culture, traditions, gastronomy, agriculture, among other areas, with the aim of giving them belonging and freedom, as well as bringing them closer and forming ties between the community.
Professor Tom Winterbottom, from Stanford University, has been part of the Language Immersion Program in the company of Professor Citlalli Del Carpio, who explained that classes are available in the second year.
The professor specified that this is a program where students who already speak Spanish will practice the language, while those who do not speak it can learn it, giving them the opportunity to express themselves in Spanish freely, creating a small Hispanic world for young people.
Manuel Ortiz, journalist and also professor of the language immersion at Stanford, shared radio space with teachers and students during the Peninsula 360 Press program in collaboration with Marcos Gutiérrez from ?Hecho en California?.
The students talked about their experiences during the classes. linguistic immersion and they expressed the support they have from their parents, which has been an impetus to continue studying.
Evan Sing explained what he has learned about agriculture in Latin America, how to plant corn, beans, squash or some other vegetables. «Beans leave nitrogen in the soil, which is a type of natural fertilizer for other plants.»he explained.
For Evan, it is important that parents let their children explore the world and choose what they like most. For example, he likes to study languages and it is something he enjoys, which is why he recognizes that his parents helped him by letting him study what he wanted. .
Celeste Noriega is Mexican, but she was born in Los Angeles. It was difficult for her to learn more about her culture and history because traditional schools teach the history of the United States; she didn't know other languages and characters like Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera and, by learning more, she managed to feel proud of her own culture and her roots.
Regarding how to support young people to ensure that they continue with their studies, Celeste commented: «I think they should not be so strict, I had friends who told them that they should come home early regardless of the extra classes or the time that can be spent playing sports, learning to play the guitar or other activities that give more opportunities to coexist. with the rest".
Alexa Figeroa is a young woman who has Mexican and El Salvador roots. She entered classes knowing the Spanish language. However, being able to talk to more people her age gave her the opportunity to share her customs and her life story.
For her, life has been difficult, since there are not many people who speak Spanish, which makes her feel distant from the community. But now that he is part of those classes, it has helped him belong and feel closer to his roots.
In the case of Alexa, parental support must be present. They, he said, must help young people remove words like ?I can't, I don't want to or I don't know how to do it?.
Alexa believes that parents should be very honest about the life they can have if they don't study.
Cat Bui comes from an Asian family, which makes it difficult for him to express himself in Spanish. She wants to be a doctor, and has noticed that in California there are many people who speak Spanish, which prompted her to learn the language, and to recognize that having a better approach to Latin American culture will make her a better doctor.
For Cat, the support and presence of parents is what can make the difference. She knows that mental health is very important for young people and life is very difficult for everyone, which is why she says that parents must provide spaces and opportunities to express their emotions freely.
Jireh Mendoza is of Mexican and Salvadoran descent. For her, the class has helped her feel part of her roots. She explained that she does not know her parents' countries so it is difficult to connect with their cultures. What you have experienced is what thousands of young people in the United States go through, so it is important to have spaces like these, so that students feel part of their culture.
Regarding his parents, Jireh agreed on the importance of providing security and enthusiasm to young people. She commented that, knowing that they came to the United States to give her a better life, she feels committed to achieving what her parents always wanted for their future.
Misikir Melaku shared his experience when coming into contact with Latin American culture.
She had the opportunity to eat tortillas, salsa, and fresh waters of various flavors, which connected her with a culture she was unfamiliar with. Something he recognizes is the power of speaking another language, as it allows him to connect, help and express himself with others when he was unable to do so previously.
For these young people, being able to express themselves in a different language, such as Spanish, has helped them get to know another world, other traditions, cultures and people, allowing them to feel close to their roots, but also confident in themselves for who they are and why they are. that they express.
You may be interested in: San José adds interpretation into Spanish and Vietnamese at city council and commission meetings
