Spanish Lessons

Christine Marin is an Mexican American who is who was taught to speak English rather than gringo or Spanish. Her family wanted her to speak English instead of their native tongue because they believe they would receive more respect because of where they live. She taught to be proud of where she comes from and taught to not speak Spanish. She was taught many lessons through the power of language. She learned that many people will discriminate against you just because of your heritage. 

Christine excelled in English and in writing papers. Her parents pushed her to work in these areas. Her teacher noticed her great work and began to help her and further her knowledge in English. Christine was an above average student who hoped to go on to bigger and better things she wants to go to college. 

Sadly her family could not pay for her education because of her fathers work. But her parents encourage her to still go to college. So she decided to get a job to start to pay for her education. She got a job in a Jewish clothing store as a sales women. Most of the customers were Mexican American, so it was difficult for her to understand and make sales because she did not know Spanish very well. So she decided to start to learn and better herself in these areas. 

During college she was discriminated by her teacher because of her english speaking and writing skills. Being from Mexico her teacher thought that she should not be able to speak or write as well as she did. He teacher accused her of cheating, and thought that she had been paying someone to do her essays for her which were due in class.

In 1970, she applied for a bibliographer position where she verified the english language, bibliography entries and citations. She began to teach Mexican American students who called themselves Chicanos, which meant empowerment. Her own personal struggle made her become a very good teacher for these children. She taught them how to use the library, and how to use the english language for more than just writing essays.

In 1969 her friends organized The Mexican American Students Organization. She met with Dr. Axford and Servin, they suggested that she become a bibliographer for the Chicano Studies Collection. Her first task was to inventory all Chicano related material in the library. From her hard work and dedication, many Chicano students began to appear in the library and began to use it more frequently. From this she became very involved in the movement and continued to work in the library and help Mexican American children continue their education. She is also associated with Women's Studies Programs. 

I think this essay opened up my eyes to a side of society that I do not see frequently. Growing up as a white American, I do not witness much racial discrimination. This also showed me how powerful language can be. If it was not for this woman's powerful language skills she may not have been as successful as she was. Her hard work and dedication was an inspiration for many people and after reading this essay she has become an inspiration for me.