I needed a few days to digest this week's reading because some of the information was saddening, angering, and disheartening. My heart broke for these students who struggled in their home countries, came to the United States and continued to struggle.
It seemed the odds are against them despite understanding how important an education is. Immigrant students face issues in school like bullying, language acquisition, culture shock, all while trying to grow up and find themselves. Yet, it seems factors from outside the school walls are more detrimental to students. Many immigrant students not only have to deal with completing their homework, studying for Thursday's exam, figuring out the proper way to use American idioms, and make friends, but at home they have to also balance more obstacles.
I found many immigrant children had been separated from their parents or siblings before they came to the United States. This separation from family can induce feelings of abandonment, anxiety, depression, and sometimes lead to not really knowing your family members. To an extent, I understand the children's feelings. My sister is ten years older than me and when I was in the 4th grade, she joined the Navy. I saw my sister a few times over the years and understood she was my sister, but I didn't get to really know her till she moved home when I was a sophomore in high school. We had misconceptions about each other and argued quite a bit. It took until my junior year of college for us to actually get along. It might have had to do with the difference in maturity level, but it took a lot of work to get to where we are today.
The general power struggles that happen between siblings and parent and child are intensified by the separation, and can be complicated when a child and parent reverse roles.
The book mention that children pick up languages faster than their adult counter parts because they interact with more people outside of their community and are given more language resources in school. In many cases the student becomes a translator to the parent, an instructor of American culture, and a guide to the outside community. I've seen this personally with many of my friends. My best friend's mother was never able to acquire a proficiency in English. This meant my friend had to go to all immigration meetings, medical appointments, and other important meetings. She gained personal knowledge of her mother's health and life that made her uncomfortable, and was always very aware of the finances because she was the one who wrote the checks and spoke with the bank. Sometimes, she even used her position and level of control to her advantage when it came to school.
Violence is a common sight in immigrant neighborhoods. The sights of anger, revenge,pain, and death can change how a child views the world. It cultivates a sense of mistrust, and being unsafe in their environment. This translates right into the classroom and can be seen in how the children interact with their peers and teachers. It can manifest in violence, a hard time asking for help, making friends, and many other social and academic aspects of school.
 In a way, immigrant children are forced to grow up quickly. Whether it is dealing and making sense of emotions and feelings that arise from their move, family power struggles, or having to work in order to help provide for the family, these kids are more aware of the world they live in and how they are seen. Yet, many of the students do not receive the support they need to emotionally cope with adjusting to a new life in the United States.
School should be a safe place for children. It should be a break from the troubles of the real world, where they can feel free to ask questions and learn how to live in the real world. I can think of a few solutions to aiding immigrant students. Providing counseling to students is something I feel would do a lot of good. It would allow students to work through their feelings and find safe and productive outlets. Thus, the students would be able to concentrate on what is happening in the classroom.
Reaching out to families with a translator and not allowing the student to be the parent's translator would be another change I would make. If the student is not in control of the situation, they have to opportunity or temptation to manipulate the parent or teacher. With a translator, the traditional relationship between parent and child is upheld and could aid in healing any separation issues.
Community is the best way to reach and help all students. Developing after school programs, sports, or volunteer programs that are free can go a long way. In many communities, these things cost money and without aid or a waiver, many poor students are barred from those activities. In these programs, students can interact with each other in a safe environment, away from the violence in their neighborhood, and possibly attain an adult mentor or someone who will be a positive role model or influence in their ever changing lives.