Walking through the halls of high school, you’ll hear hundreds of voices. Most of them speak English, and a few switch into Spanish. I live north of those sounds every day, and while it is a gift, it has also been one of the hardest things about my high school experience.
As a Spanish speaker, I sometimes felt like I had to translate my identity just to be understood. Whether I was in class or working on a project, I always had to double-check that my grammar was “right,” that my accent didn’t slip in, or that I wasn’t using a word that didn’t make sense in English.
And still, I would get strange looks or corrections even though I was saying exactly what I meant. It made me feel like I had to work twice as hard to be heard, even though I knew I had something important to say.
Ironically, I also took Spanish classes during my time here. That might sound easy, but it came with its own set of challenges. I have to adjust to the way Spanish is taught in schools, formal, structured, and often very different from the way I speak it at home. T
here were moments where I felt judged for knowing “too much,” or expected to know things I hadn’t learned formally. Other times, I held back my voice to avoid being the one everyone turned to for the “right” answer. It was hard to balance being both a learner and a native speaker in the same space.
Still, this experience powerfully shaped me. It taught me the language isn’t just about words, it’s about connection, courage, and culture. I’ve learned to speak up when I’m unsure. I’ve learned to take pride in my voice, even if it sounds different. And I’ve learned that being between two worlds isn’t a weakness, it is a strength.
To every student who speaks a different language or culture, who translates for their families, who switches between cultures like changing shoes, your voice matters. You are not alone. You are a bonanza of talent, strength, and perspective. And the more we speak up, the more others will learn to listen. Embrace your wonderful worlds.
I'm a senior at OHS this my first year as a reporter in 42fifty. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
