Alejandra Prego Thing 3 I had a very privileged childhood. I lived in Managua, Nicaragua in a secluded suburban area.

My mother and father were happily married, I was blessed with an adorable younger sister, and we lived in a beautiful house. My life drastically changed when I was nine years old. My mother told my sister and I that we were coming to the United States for vacation, however; our two week vacation turned into a permanent stay.

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I was devastated and angry. I couldn't believe my parents would do this behind my back 'rJhC-\:t W().S blqqtS+ l{)~~ ) and make me leave everything b~ft{nd.My mother 'noticed my distress and it was at this time that she introduced me~ hobbies; writing. One day, she handed me a journal and ~

told me she wrote in a journal whenever she wanted to express her feelings and suggested for me to try it. I began writing about my anger, sadness, and discontent. Before I knew it, I was on page three and the words kept flowing. When I was finally done, I felt a rush of relieve. I realized my mother was right and from that point on, I constantly kept a journal.

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I didn't know how to speak English and that made school very difficult for me.

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For the first time in mx li~eI did not understand the lessons being taught in school. I was

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extremely frustrated with myself and it was obvious in the classroom. Therefore, my teachers recommended me for the ESL program. My mother was not open to this idea because she has always been an over achiever and to her, that was taking the easy route. She knew I could learn English in a regular classroom by talking to my peers and constantly studying. She would always buy me books and make sure I read every day. She has always motivated me to try as hard as I can and never give up on myself. That's exactly ~I ,.did; I was determined to learn this new

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