Personal Narrative: Pursuing A Career In Higher Education

“Read the second paragraph, Franyeli,” my science teacher called. My hands started shaking, and my body started getting really warm. I didn't know if I could read the paragraph, I didn't know any words in English, and I knew if I read everybody would make fun of me. So, I shook my head. “Just try,” she said, and I started reading. On my third word, I already could hear my friend laughing. I felt tears going down my cheeks and my heartbeat started rising. Why me? Why does it have to be so difficult? I do everything that I can, but this isn't my place. This is not my language. This is not me.

5 years ago, on February 18, 2012, I moved to Boston from the Dominican Republic. I was just 11 years old and my little sister was 9. We both entered school at the same time, but as the time passed, I
In my junior year, I applied for a job at the Peer leadership Institute.The job was mostly based on public speaking, which I wasn't good at it. The teacher who helped me apply for the job believed in me. Two weeks after applying, I received an email saying I was going to have an interview. At that moment I was nervous, but at the same time I was excited. I knew I had to go into the interview with confidence. After the interview, the boss loved my presentation. I felt so proud of myself! In that job I found myself. I felt supported and for the first time I didn't feel like I was in a place where I didn't belong. Now that I feel better about myself I have been willing to try new things. I even want to try public speaking again, and I feel happy, for the first time since I left the Dominican Republic.

Overcoming my struggle with English has prepared me for the future. My dream is to attend college to study education and learn how to become a teacher. I would like to help students like me overcome their challenges and fears. My struggles learning a new language have made me compassionate and want to advocate for