Like every election cycle, immigration has been made an issue that never seems far from the ongoing political narrative. The stereotyping of international students and immigrants appears on our screens every day. That’s why we were proud to interview an entire ESL class to explore the hopes, goals, and values that unites us all. We conducted 19 interviews over a two-day period and proudly share the most extensive below. Meet some of the hardest working students at Sinclair. People with big goals and bigger dreams, just like you and me. The rest of the interviews will be posted Friday.
We asked these students why they were studying, what their favorite holiday was, and their dreams for the future.
Eid Al Fitr. Because its after Ramadan so it comes at the end of the month of fasting. We gather, clean the house, prepare gifts, and make lunch for the family.
“To finish my studies, gain experience, and become a good doctor like my father.”
“I’d like to pursue a degree in Computer Science it because I enjoy it and studied it back home in Africa.
“I love weddings in my culture. We all meet up, family and friends. For a whole week we gather together and eat traditional food.”
“I’d like to have my own company. Maybe one in design.”
In my country I worked in computer science, so in the future I’d like to continue to do so.
New Year becomes it represents new hopes, new beginnings, and a fresh start.
I’m from Zaporizhia, Southeast Ukraine. My city is close to the fighting. I hope my son can go to university and that we both can live in a safe environment.
I’ve been studying at Sinclair for one year. In the future I hope to major in culinary arts. I’d like to open a restaurant.
My favorite holiday is Christmas.
“In the future, I might go back to Taiwan and open a restaurant one day. I miss my family and friends. Its been a longtime since I’ve seen them.”
“In Costa Rica I was a pharmacist, that is what I have my degree in. I had a choice between studying ESOL or TOEFL and chose this program because of its structure. This type of class has more opportunities to learn.”
“My plan is to pass the Board of Pharmacy license here. Maybe after that pursue a Master’s degree.”
“Semanta Santa is my favorite. As a Catholic, Semanta Santa or Holy Week is a massive celebration. Family comes together, we follow certain traditions such as not eating pork or red meat, and attend church functions together.”
“I miss my family. A lot of my friends live here but I feel like my heart is in San Jose.”
“In the future I want to study economics. Back home there are many economic problems and I want to help my country develop and progress like the US, Spain, and France.”
“This is my first semester so my first goal is to finish class. I would also like to help my family overcome some of the problems they are facing back in our country. Thinking about my family situation is tough and makes me very sad.”
“I miss my friends, my mom, and grandma. That is why New Year’s is my favorite holiday, because it is a time we can gather together.”
“I like computers and hope to study Computer Science.
“My dream is to one day be rich. I want to have my loved ones around me and to be comfortable.”
“I miss our food, my friends, and parents. Christmas and New Year are my favorite holidays because I miss them so much. Those are the times we used to gather.“
I graduated from university with a degree in Social Sciences in my country and when I got here I had to start learning English. I’m in my last level and after that will figure out what to do.
First, I want to build a life and be successful. I hope my children can achieve success in all they do. I want them to study, work hard, and become entrepreneurs.
“Any time I can spend with my family.”
“I’ve been in America for a year. Back home I was an athlete. I’m really passionate about basketball, baseball, and cooking. After I finish ESOL I’d like to study cooking. My dream is to become a chef. I love cooking, experimenting with new flavors and recipes. Recently I even tried making an American burger and steak.”
“I just want to work hard and study. My focus right now is on developing my English and cooking skills. One day I’d like to open my own restaurant by I still have a lot to learn. Currently, my favorite dish to make is General Tsao’s Chicken.”
“I like Christmas in America. Last year was the first time I experienced it here. I really liked it.”
Photo Credit: Ismael David