It’s another day at my new school. This is my fourth elementary school since I moved here from Mexico about two years ago. I have only been here for two weeks, but everything is still confusing. I have learned most of the basic English language. And now when we get a note sent home, I can translate most of what it says! I can also understand most of what my teachers are saying during class. But I am still shy to speak up. 

We have moved on to reading for the day, and Mrs. Smith just told us we will be popcorn reading the story. I hate popcorn reading! I always feel so slow compared to the rest of my classmates. When it’s my turn, I get tongue tied with many words, and I can hear giggling. I’d much rather read it to myself where I know nobody can hear me. 

HAHAHA!

The remaining of the day, I stay as quiet as I can. I don’t want anyone else to laugh at me. If the teacher doesn’t call on me, I don’t raise my hand to answer. It’s better this way. It’s safer. 

Nada.

Que paso, mija?

That night, before dinner, my mom asks me how school went today. 

“Bien.” I say. 

It was good. Just a normal day for someone like me. But she notices something. 

“Que paso, mija?” she asks. I know what happened. But I will not tell her. She will not understand. 

And so I shake my head and say, “Nada.”

The next day, I continue to stay as quiet as I can. I try not to make eye contact, and I try not to say anything. But my plan fails again when reading comes. Today we are reading with a partner. 

My heart is beating fast, and my hands are sweaty. My mouth is dry, and I really want to be home right now. 

I start to calm down when Mrs. Smith assigns our partners. I will be reading with Ashley.