South L. A. Student Finds A Different World At Cal By Kurt Streeter

The article “South L.A. student finds a different world at Cal” written by Kurt Streeter was a true story of Kashawn Campbell, who was struggling in his first English writing class at the University of California, Berkeley (“UC Berkeley”), one of the best public universities in the US. Campbell was raised in one of the roughest neighborhoods in South Los Angeles, Jefferson, where composed of Latinos and blacks exclusively. Campbell was determined at his early age to make a change of his life regardless of his pathetic background. Because of his outstanding academic achievements in his high school years, he was admitted to UC Berkeley and was very grateful for his accomplishment. However, he very soon encountered many obstacles in his studies …show more content…
I grew up and attended school in Hong Kong, which is an international city, a part of China after 1997. My literacy training for learning Chinese, English and Mandarin began in elementary school. I had completed my freshman year before I transferred to Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School (“CJ”). When I stepped off the plane in Dayton Airport, I realized that there were many new challenges waiting for me. Thinking about the new community, school, friends and new life in America made me feel nervous, worried and depressed. But, I had to move on, no matter how difficult things that I got, or how badly I wanted to give up. In the beginning, living in America was very frustrating due to the different cultures and environments, loneliness and language barriers. I have a hard time to communicate and socialize with my friends and teachers in school. Fortunately, my parents are very supportive and teach me to keep a positive attitude in dealing with adversity, to be open-minded and patient with people surrounding me. I am not afraid of challenges and obstacles anymore; instead I consider them as opportunities for me to attain success. I am determined to devote all my abilities and efforts to achieve my dreams and goals, and be successful in my new life in …show more content…
Campbell’s story revealed his strong persistence and patience in improving his literacy abilities. He met weekly with his English instructors to discuss writing issues and was the hardest worker in his English writing class (Streeter). He patiently listened to his tutors and instructors’ advices, followed their instructions and repeatedly worked on his English assignments, even though he had not reached his literacy sponsor’s requirements. As Campbell’s second semester writing instructor said in the article “I’m proud of you. You’ve tried as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen”