Summary: My Favorite Chaperone

My Favorite Chaperone
An unknown person once said, “Our culture, our traditions, our language are the foundations upon which we build our identity.” Maya Alazova is an immigrant girl who moved to the United States from Kazakhstan. Things got bad in Kazakhstan, Maya’s parent lose their jobs, so Maya’s aunt that was already in the U.S, went to help them, she acted like a sponsor to migrated to America. From there, Maya and her family got jobs and went to school but still adapting to the environment in U.S. The best way for people from our countries to adjust to living in the United States is to find a culture ally, be open- minded, and to give yourself permission to make mistake. To begin with, if you just moved to a new country, it would help if you had a buddy to hang around until you make new friends. In the story “My Favorite Chaperone”, Maya says, “We became friends when she was a teaching
assistant in my ESL class.” “We’re the same age, but she says I’m like her little sister.” Maya and Shannon are both immigrant, their family had to adjust to the “American life”. They have similar situations, Maya still has to learn many things about the American culture while Shannon already did. She can guide Maya to learn different ways of the new life she yet has to discover. It’s nice to have someone to talk and not be lonely while everyone else has their group of friends. Shannon has a great companion of Maya while Maya was still figure things out. It’s good to try new things out of the things that are in your culture, it helps you understand more and have experience in a new world, you yet can explore. Maya said, “In homeroom when Mr.Horswill handed out the permission slip for the Spring Fling, the all-school dance…” “The gymnastics team is fine, good thing in my life.” Maya wanted to try to go to the dance even though is wasn’t something they did in Kazakhstan. She also tried for gymnastics, it’s something she really likes and considers it as a getaway form all her problems. It is great to learn something new because you can always learn from your experience. Mistakes are a part of life, you will make them and you must allow yourself to make them because no one is perfect.
In “My Favorite Chaperone” it states, “Then Mr.Shanaman said, “We’ve been told the other boy was teasing your son. We’d like you to help Nurzhan find ways to handle this situation without resorting to violence. We’re working with the other boy to help him show respect for all students.” “I looked at Papa and translated: “The other boy was teasing Nurzhan in a violent matter. This boy will be punished and must learn to respect all students. We understand how Nurzhan became so angry, and we ask that you punish him by not allowing him to watch television.” “Your daughter was in the arms of an American boy.” Maya made a mistake when she lied to her father about what had happened with Nurzhan, She should’ve never been playing with Daniel, a.k.a the American boy. Her parents thought it was wrong of her to hang out with a boy because in their country they do not do that. Overall, Maya did make a mistake but it’s a part of life and we just have to live with
it. Ultimately, the most effective and prime way to get used to a new environment is to have a pal to talk to and hang around with, be open to trying new things, and to allow yourself to make mistakes. Maya got adjust almost completely to the life she is now living in the United States. It’s hard to adapt to a new life with a new language, new lifestyle, and new environment. Also remember you will fit in just fine, but don’t forget about your culture, while being caught up in other. Would you be the person that talks and try to fit in or be the shy kid in a new country?