Internationalmatt's Blog

A Few Years Ago They Were Newcomers to America/Now They Are Helping Americans- Linh and Tram

I have two young women from Vietnam who come to my weekend groups at my church. They are Linh and Tram who just began their Senior Year in High School. Linh came here in 2007 with her family and was an ELL student but quickly advanced out of ELL. Tram came here in 2008 and also began as an ELL student and quickly advanced. They are now taking challenging classes including Calculus/Pre-Calculus, Physics, AP classes etc. That would be enough of an accomplishment in a short time.

The picture of the flowers represents how they have blossomed and grown as young people. So much so they have become part of a leadership group at their high school and on Tuesday they welcomed incoming freshmen at their school. That involved giving the freshmen a tour of the school and being their host on freshmen day. Linh told me about how she helped huge people such as football and basketball players. That means that both of them helped American kids on their first day in High School. They at one time needed help and now they are the ones offering help not only to other Newcomers but also to American kids.

Sometimes Newcomers can be misunderstood or stereotyped. They at times encounter prejudice and always face some kind of obstacles as they adjust to their new country and new culture. If we see the potential that each Newcomer can have, and encourage them in their adjustment to their new surroundings, awesome things can happen. My friends Linh and Tram are excellent examples of how people can rise to their potential if given a chance and some help.

August 18, 2011 - Posted by internationalmatt | Cross Cultural, Cultural Ambassdors, Education, Experiences of international friends, International Friendships, international students, Refugees, Vietnamese friends