Back to School: Meet Edgardo

Edgardo is a New Neighbors community member who came to the United States with his family from Nicaragua. In this interview, he shares what it was like to start school in a new country, the lessons he’s learned, and his ambitious goals for the future. 

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Edgardo with his baby brother at the New Neighbors World Refugee Day Party

Can you just tell us about yourself? 

This year I am going to high school, starting 9th grade. I have a baby brother, and I like to pass time with my family. I'm from Nicaragua, and I come from a place where I have a lot of family, but here, it's just me, my mother, my father, and my little brother. 

What was it like to start school in a new country? Do you remember how you felt when you first started school here in America? 

My first day in school, I was nervous and at the same time I didn't want to be here. I wanted my mother. I didn't even understand what anyone was saying. Then I made a friend who knew English—he was my first friend. He helped translate things for me. 

What surprised you the most about school here in the US compared to Nicaragua?

How they talk English very fast! 

How did you learn English?

At first, there was nobody to tell me what words meant in Spanish, but they gave me an iPad so I could translate everything. Then, when I got to 7th grade, I had a teacher who told me, "No more iPad. You need to learn English." She became my favorite teacher! 

In 6th grade, I struggled because of the language, but in 7th grade, all my grades went up. In 8th grade, I got honors. I can speak in English now and read too.

“When I graduated from middle school this year, that teacher and I were both crying, because of how far I've come.”

What do you enjoy most about school? 

I like debate! We made it to the championship this year, and they gave me an independent medal. We got second place in the championship. I also do PGC, Peer Group Connection. It helps 6th graders learn how to resolve social situations or problems like fighting or peer conflict. And the Junior Honor Society is a group that does community service to help people.

Edgardo and his family at the New Neighbors Baby Shower

I also like that the teachers always help me when I need help with the language. I have a friend who only speaks in Spanish; I know he knows English, but he's not confident to speak it, because he thinks somebody is going to laugh. One day I told him, "Say something in English," and he spoke very well! Sometimes people just need encouragement. 

Did you find it hard to make friends in a new country?

It's easy for me because I try to be a good person and help people when they need me, and my friends do the same. I have a friend who knows more English than me, and he pays attention when I'm tired or something. One day my stomach hurt badly from an allergy in the morning. My body started shaking and I was sweating, and he noticed and asked if my stomach hurt before I even told anyone. He helped me tell the teacher so I could go to the nurse. He really pays attention to me when I need help.

Edgardo's parents proudly hang his awards on the wall of their apartment

We heard you want to be a doctor when you grow up. Is that still your dream? 

Half of my family does something related to medicine. My mom pursued a career related to medicine, and I have two aunties, a cousin, and another relative who work in a hospital. So I wanted to do something like that.

But now I think I want to be an engineer. I’m not sure what kind, but I’m interested in fixing things.

What advice would you give to another student who is just starting school in America?

Do your work. Use a translator or ask if they have computers. Take pictures of the work and translate it on the computer. Just go every day and try to do as much as you can to get your grades up. That's what I did. And: be yourself always. My mother and father taught me that. Sé tú mismo siempre.

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