In this blog, we highlight Alynn Jiménez Miranda, a current Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Intern at the House of Representatives. During the Multilingualism for All Kickoff event in Washington, D.C., Alynn shared her story about arriving in the U.S. and learning English. Read her speech below:
Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Alynn Jiménez Miranda . I was born in San Antonio, Texas, but I grew up in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Three years ago, I embarked on the adventure of coming to the United States in search of better opportunities. Like many, my main motivations were to financially support my family and continue my education in this country.
Upon arriving in Texas, I faced many challenges. One of the biggest was learning English, and since it was my senior year of high school, I had to prepare for the college admission test (SAT). My school didn’t provide much support for students like myself, whose first language wasn’t English. In fact, my counselor suggested that I shouldn’t even try to take the test or apply to colleges, as it would be too difficult and I would likely be rejected because I didn’t know the language.
This comment, rather than discouraging me, motivated me to find a way to access higher education. I started looking for resources to apply to college and found guidance through YouTube videos. Months later, I received the exciting news that I had been accepted to Trinity University with a 95% scholarship. I am currently in my second year, pursuing a double major in International Relations and Political Science.
I couldn’t have achieved this without the help of my history teacher, Mr. Cavazos. He arrived at school every day at 7 a.m. to give me English lessons. From the alphabet and pronunciation to more complex readings, he prepared me to take the SAT.
Shortly after, I had the opportunity to study abroad for a year on a scholarship from the U.S. Department of State. This experience taught me to recognize the power of languages. Being bilingual opens countless doors. It allows us to communicate with people around the world and connect with cultures and traditions that we otherwise wouldn’t understand.
Being bilingual is like a superpower; it’s having a secret language that only those who know it can use to interpret a different world and culture. It not only benefits us in preparing for a job but also enhances our social lives and mental health. In such a diverse world, the ability to speak two languages is invaluable; it allows us to build bridges and break down cultural barriers. Because of this experience, I have seen how knowledge of other languages can transform lives, inspiring me to pursue a career in International Relations.
Family also plays an important role in the educational development and success of children. My accomplishments would not have been possible without the unwavering encouragement my family provides from afar in Mexico. That’s why it’s crucial for families to be involved in their children’s education, guiding them at every step. Never stop believing in your kids, because this support can be the difference between giving up and persevering through challenges.
Today, I want to thank all the parents, teachers, and mentors who inspire us to keep going despite obstacles. To those who remind us that, although learning a new language can be difficult, we must never give up, because a language does not define our worth or our abilities. It is the effort, perseverance, and support of those around us that truly determine who we are and what we can achieve.
Let’s continue to believe in the potential of every student and the importance of their education. I am excited to see the impact that the Embassy of Mexico and the U.S. Department of Education will have on our communities. Remember that together, we can build a future full of opportunities for everyone y demostrar que si se puede!