I came to this country during the 80's (1980), at the age of four from El Salvador. My family and I arrived to Queens, NY. I began my education here with a complete different educational system. At the age of four I was already attending kindergarten in my country. However, once my parents enrolled me in school in NY, I commenced my studies in pre-k. I remember that within three months my parents were called in for a parent conference at my new school. My father always tells me this story and this is how I can retell it. Well, they called them to congratulate them because I was speaking fluent English in such a short amount of time and academically speaking I was excelling too. I was being skipped to the first grade. My parents were happy and proud of their little girl. Much of my learning came from home.
My dad was highly involved in my education. He would always read to me and my older brother; and I believe this is why we picked up the language rather quickly. I remember having a collection of encyclopedias and a vast array of books available for us at home. My mom and the majority of her siblings were teachers in El Salvador. So, my mom was constantly teaching us to read and write in Spanish so that we wouldn't forget our native language. My parents were a major influence in my educational development and especially in literacy. Books, notebooks and pencils were always readily available at my home.
I don't recall struggling with reading at an early age. Moreover, all through grammar and high school I spent quite a few amount of time at the local library. I really fell in love with reading during my third year of high school and more so when I completed my first Master's in Criminal Justice. Education is a priority in my life and I hope to pass it on to my nine year old daughter. Just as it wss passed on to me by my parents who were supportive and involved in my education.
