The Courage to Begin Again

For students in our First Step classes, education has been the way towards self-empowerment. Many of our students had established careers and lives in their native countries, lives and careers which were interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. One student was a practicing psychologist in Haiti until he was forced to flee due to the increasing gang violence. Another student completed her degree in civil engineering in Ecuador and was prepared to begin a rewarding career until an economic crisis made it impossible to continue working. Having escaped turmoil and dangerous circumstances and immigrated to America, these students face further difficulties.

The difficulties of beginning a new life in a new and strange country can feel insurmountable, especially in a country that is becoming more and more unwelcoming. Not knowing the language, not knowing the culture, basically, not knowing where to start their new life, recent immigrants are victims of an anxiety that forces them to expect nothing and accept the bare minimum, at best. At AACA, we refuse to accept the line of thought which excuses and normalizes the results of this anxiety. Not only do we promote the power of education as a beneficial tool for starting life anew but we emphasize that education is one of the most powerful and decisive ways to overcome that anxiety.

Students from all continents, with diverse interests and occupations, enrich our classes. Our classes are not only a space for each student to learn English but they are spaces for community building, for the mingling of individuals that represent disparate communities and backgrounds. It is because of the students in our classroom that our teaching practices are culturally-aware and community-focused. In a country that is insistent on each of its citizens conforming to a set of ideals, which are very antiquated and marginalizing, our teaching practices try to foreground the importance of cultural diversity and the personal aspirations of each student. The aspirations of our students are as diverse as their backgrounds. Those students whose careers were interrupted wish to continue their careers in this country, other students are interested in higher education, and countless students are interested in learning English to become better citizens of their new country. The ambitions of the students continue to grow, as does our program. Our classes are designed to promote linguistic advancement and a cultural consciousness in our students; we want our students to be proficient in English and active in their respective communities.

Anybody advocating for the advancement of immigrants in today's America is facing a tough battle; however, promoting the advancement of immigrants is a project far too valuable to ignore or neglect. At AACA, we are dedicated to promoting the self-empowerment and advancement of our students. Despite the increasing barriers for immigrants and low-income folks, our classes continue to be a space of self-empowerment for the students.