Beyond the Boundaries by Sapan

Beyond the Boundaries by Sapan - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

It was the first day of my junior year. “Girls, go find a partner.” I glanced around the gym, searching for familiar faces. Unfortunately, I did not know anyone in my class. I saw one girl that looked Indian and asked her to be my partner. She didn’t seem to know English, so we communicated in our language. I asked her why I don’t see her around very often. She said, “they placed me in special education classes because I can’t speak English.” I was very confused. I thought to myself, “how can a girl who has no disability be placed into special education just because she doesn't know English?” I was shocked and enraged. I kept pondering about this and felt that something needed to be done.
I went from the principal to my guidance counselor, asking why the ESL community in Hillcrest High School isn’t given the same amount of attention as any other student. 37% of ELL students graduate in four years from Hillcrest. This statistic was astonishing and devastating. This number needed to increase; students should not be academically discouraged simply because they don't know English. These students have potential but aren't given the opportunity to showcase it. The odds are stacked against them as they fail Regent Examinations due to a language barrier rather than an inability to grasp the content of the exam.
As the leader of my school’s Student Sikh Association, I advocate for what I believe in and the needs of those in my community. I began to advocate for weekly tutoring sessions for students who don’t speak English as their first language. One of my teachers, Mr. Cichon, agreed that there is a lack of attention given to non-English speakers and allowed us to stay after school for tutoring. Every day after school I stay back with ESL students, tutoring them for upcoming Regent Exams. My trilingualism in English, Punjabi and Hindi allows me to translate material from English to their native language. In preparation for regents week, I translate the curriculum to their language from a workbook. Awaiting their test results, I was overjoyed when I found out they had passed. It proved to them that their inability to speak English is not a testament to their potential. Furthermore, it proved to me that all someone needs, despite the barriers they face, is simply encouragement from someone who believes in them. When I realized I had contributed to these students’ success, there was no other feeling that could compare.
As my perspective broadened, I changed as an individual. I also joined the Girl-Up club, I realized that immigrants are not the only group being neglected but girls as well. They simply aren’t given the chance to get educated. I started fundraising to help give poor girls in undeveloped countries and education. It was clear to me, if I wanted change then I have to be the one to take the initiative. This experience will definitely help me beyond of high school because I began to stand up to for what I believed was right. My passion for service will continue to make a difference in college because I will always seek for opportunities where my knowledge and background can help another individual.