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Monica

BACKGROUND
Sex: female
Ethnicity: Mexican-American and Costa Rican
Born in:
Parents born in: Costa Rica(Mom) and U.S. (Dad)

Because my father was in the AirForce for 20 years, I did lots of traveling around the world. I've only lived in California for 3 and a half years, considering I was born here. I grew up in Spain, did junior high in Texas, high school in Germany and now, college in California. These experiences have made me probably more open-minded and flexible to new situations than the majority of people in the US.


..... The school I went to for junior high was a predominately "white' school in north Texas. At the time, I was too busy trying to assimilate to notice what was really going on. Looking back, I went into 6th grade knowing my background and being somewhat proud. However, as soon as I saw shat I thought I needed to be in order to fit in and be "happy', I soon forgot who I was and immediately began to conform -- my hair went big, I had a southern accent, and was no longer half Mexican half Costa Rican -- I was Spanish (European). Sixth grade was the hardest year because I changed so much. The teachers were not as nice to me as they were to other popular white girls with money. After I was completely assimilated, I was finally accepted and happy and the rest of my junior high years went smoothly. Now that I look back, I could have been happier by not trying so hard.

My 6th grade teacher overlooked who I really was until I changed. They didn't treat me as nicely or as fairly because, at first, I was different. As I changed, they became nicer.

Teachers should recognize and accept children for who they are, no matter where they come from. They should try to look for the potential children have to succeed rather than what they don't have. Teacher should reassure children that it is OK for them to be themselves.

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