West Indian Heritage, students made my life a living hell because I spoke with an accent.
“Where are you from?” instantly began the conversation. It indicated what I said and how it was said, especially since it was delivered with a Caribbean accent. I quickly realized that my accent was the first thing people noticed about me. Answering questions in class became a struggle; students didn’t quite understand what I was saying because words were pronounced differently.
Class was followed by silly, ignorant remarks and the automatic assumption about my background which aren’t …show more content…
My parents made a lot of sacrifices to send me to the United
States. It was made to further my studies and become a well-rounded student. However, students failed to realize that. They didn’t understand the struggle my family experienced to get me here.
My family sent me to the United States to receive the best education possible and that what I was doing.I maintained perfect attendance throughout middle school. I was never tardy and I excelled on all exams and homework assignments. Branched from a family of doctors, RNs, and teachers, I had no other choice than to be a profound student. All of my good qualities didn’t seem to impress the pupils in my class. I was referred to as a nerd, a geek, and even a teacher’s pet. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard students laughing at the way I spoke.
The most outward display of injustice directed at me occurred in the sixth grade .In social studies class I had to do a presentation in front of the class. I was beyond terrified, one I was shy and also I was insecure about the way I pronounce words with that strong accent of mine. As I was doing the presentation someone shouted, “I can’t understand you, I can’t understand you!”