Today’s post is our first from our new Communications Intern, Andrew Chappelle. He is a graduate student at
Webster
University in International Relations.
When I heard that I would get the opportunity to sit in and possibly help out in a few classes and other programs here at the International Institute, I was very relieved. I certainly didn’t want to just sit behind a desk the whole time, especially when I’ve heard about all the great programs and services the Institute offers refugees and new immigrants to St. Louis.
Hearing about it is one thing. Being able to see it is, of course, totally different.
This morning I sat in an English class for beginners and was surprised to see so many people from different backgrounds, all working through a difficult, shared process together—people from Vietnam, Bhutan and parts of Africa who come to the Institute for several hours each day to do what they can to learn English as quickly as possible.
Many of these people are heads of household and several of them—especially the women—have never been in a class or used a pencil before. It’s amazing the dedication they show to establish themselves in this country; it’s good to know the Institute provides them with tools to thrive once they are here.
Later in the morning, I sat in an advanced class with people from Chile,
Bosnia and other parts of the globe. Today they were learning about amendments to the constitution, and how they serve to continually adapt the document to reflect our constantly changing, ever diverse and dynamic society. I saw in these students the relief that comes knowing that no one person can change the document to suit his or her own political agenda.
Meanwhile, I thought to myself about those times when people have tried to change the constitution for the sake of dividing the people.
This November, Missourians will have such a measure before them—Constitutional Amendment 1. It focuses on official government meetings, but would also require that the state driver’s license exam be given only in English, even though it is currently administered in 11 other languages.
For decades this system has worked, yet now it appears the state is choosing to punish non-English speakers. While you may hear it euphemistically referred to as “an incentive to learn English”, I see it as flat-out anti-immigrant.
With less than a month to go before the election, my hope is that more people will start talking about this measure and others like it around the country that seek to divide us. This is, after all, a nation of immigrants and only by accepting one another can we form that more perfect union.
This entry was posted
on Friday, October 10th, 2008 at 12:55 pm and is filed under A day in the life.
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