Part 6: Learning the Language "The Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant"
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The first thing I had to do when I arrived in the United States was learn the language. I had heard a little English before, but I had never spoken it. I was determined to learn it quickly, so I enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class.
The class was filled with people from all over the world. We had people from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and many other countries. We were all there for the same reason—to learn English.
The teacher was very patient and encouraging. She taught us the basics of the language, such as the alphabet, numbers, and basic grammar. We also learned about American culture and customs.
I was determined to learn as much as I could. I studied hard and practiced speaking English whenever I could. I also read books and newspapers in English to help me learn.
It took me a few months, but eventually I was able to understand and speak English. It was a huge accomplishment for me, and I felt proud of myself. I was now able to communicate with people in the United States and understand what they were saying.
Learning English was one of the most important steps in my journey as an undocumented immigrant. It allowed me to get a job, make friends, and become part of the community. It was a long and difficult process, but I was determined to succeed.