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Homeless Irony: American Schools Educating Chinese Immigrant Students |
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Written by John
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Wednesday, 07 February 2007 |
 Over a year ago, my family had the chance of meeting Fan, her brother, sister, father, and mother. Dad as over 70. Sister was less than two. Fan's 15 now.
The family came from China.
Dad is an engineer, similiar to what my grandfather did with aircraft carriers. I have been humbled many times when he has complimented me on my role as a father. Words cannot express the feeling when someone says something that simple in a language not their own.
Fan's smart. Fan doesn't know about something that she may learn in American Classrooms, given her classes to come in High School. I asked her questions at times, when she and my children would teach other Chinese and English phrases. She has no knowledge of Tiananmen Square or the protests of 1989. I didn't think it was my place to tell her...in all honesty it changes nothing to her now, and in due time she will learn when it is right.
We take for granted much of what is available to us, information being one of the first. Fan has a beautiful mind, wonderful outlook, sweet and kindest of hearts I know in a young person. She'll do well.
Her family was able to get an apartment before our family did. They are currently working on home ownership at this time. |
