2 minute read
Difference-Makers
Bilingual Seahawks are breaking barriers for local youth.
Students in Spanish for Bilingual Speakers classes use their linguistic and cultural knowledge to mentor New Hanover County elementary students who may have limited English or need support. They also aid new community members who are learning English.
“I want my students to see what an asset it is to be native speakers of Spanish and English, and just as important, to possess an advanced cultural understanding of the local Latinx community,” said Spanish professor Amanda Boomershine.
“Our community and the students often overlook these skills, but they are invaluable assets that should be recognized and celebrated.”
Emily Rodriguez-Castillo ’25 and Catalina Nery-Gonzalez ’27 relate to the students’ struggles. Both grew up in Spanishspeaking homes and faced challenges related to the language barrier.
As someone who has lived this experience, I feel better equipped to help children who are currently going through this.
-Emily Rodriguez-Castillo
“It feels like it was lifetimes ago when I was a young, frustrated girl yelling at my teacher to help me in Spanish, at the brink of tears, because all she could do for me was shake her head to communicate that she had no idea what I needed,” said Rodriguez-Castillo.
Nery-Gonzalez said the experience has opened her eyes to the number of students in the community who need help.
“I think it’s important because the more help they receive, the more chances and opportunities they have to have a good career and be the next generation of leaders,” she said. –VJ
Watch more about this program at uncw.edu/spanish-service-learning.
