The scenario of Jessica a Hispanic student living in the United States
The scenario of Jessica is difficult to address, particularly as a Hispanic student living in the United States. However, before giving Jessica pieces of advice for her situation, I would first thank her for the trust she had in me to assist her in that situation. I feel as if most persons consider not sharing their implied prejudices because they know discrimination is wrong and therefore feeling ashamed. I would advice Jessica by motivating her to interact with her colleagues in her Chicano studies, even if she might feel uncomfortable. Interacting with her classmates will help her to develop speaking skills in regards to Spanish language as well as allow her to learn Spanish and speak it fluently. I will try to make her realize that she is not the only Hispanic student who undergoes experiences the situation she is in and that, if she interacts with her classmates in Chicano studies will give her an opportunity to even learn Spanish and English as well. Furthermore, a good means of learning and practicing Hispanic is to talk with her friends or teacher in her Chicano studies class. This way she can practice fresh vocabulary and simultaneously learn with the mistakes that she may utter during her speech with her classmates.
Secondly, I would motivate her to consider listening to Spanish broadcast as a way of making herself learn how various Hispanic words are spoken and used. Moreover, I would advice Jessica to try using Spanish every day. Third advice that I would give to Jessica is to read various Hispanic articles not only books but also Hispanic newspapers and magazines as well. There is so much good and fresh Hispanic vocabulary in books, newspapers and magazines that she might not have an idea about. That’s why she needs to try to read in Hispanic at every opportunity that she has, even if she does not comprehend the meaning of the words. Next advice I would give to Jessica is that, she needs to watch movies or films model conversation skills. Finally, I would commend her for reaching out to me.
My words of advice to Jessica represent the best course of action for her to follow because they enlighten her about Hispanic language. For example, when she reads numerous books she will be able to learn as well as understand several Hispanic words that would make her learning easy in Chicano studies. Secondly, listening to Hispanic broadcast as well as interacting with her classmates in Chicano studies as well as watching movies that model conversation skills would help Jessica to develop communication skills in Hispanic language since it enables students to share thoughts, opinions, as well as ideas, and receive them in turn. According to Terrazas-Arellanes et al. (2017), watching a movie that models conversation skills is an online tool for language learning that would also assist her learn of her culture and promote self-identity. This way she will feel accepted in her Chicano studies hence motivating her towards learning. Furthermore, my advice to Jessica of interacting with her classmates in Chicano class will also help her advance her communication skills since she will be able to ask open ended questions which would improve her knowledge in Hispanic language. According to Pacheco, Morales, & Hamilton, (2019), interaction especially classroom interaction aids learners develop language learning as well as social skills and so magnifying interaction in the classroom is a vital part of the student and teacher’s task.