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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

self-awareness, adolescent, Hispanic, ESL students

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Teacher Education

Abstract

Hispanics currently make up the largest minority in America, surpassing even African-Americans. And “Hispanics aged 14-19 are 50 percent less likely than non-Hispanics to complete high school.” As an aide at a high school in Provo, Utah, I developed an interest in and concern for the Hispanic high school students that I know and interact with daily. These students come from varied backgrounds, culturally and educationally. Their lack of English poses a challenge for all of them. But while some need only the ability to express their knowledge in the language of the dominant culture, others need to play catch-up to make up for a lack of education. This unique blend of abilities, cultures, and language abilities made me curious. I wanted to make a difference in their lives.

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