On September 5, the first Courageous Conversation of this school year took place. The topic of this conversation was how we as a campus can help our non-English speaking students. The problem that students at the conversation had noticed was that students who don’t speak much English face hardships when taking tests or just going through the everyday motions of school.

The main idea that was pitched at the meeting was an organization called FLAP, or the Foreign Language Assistance Program. The purpose would be to help foreign language students, with help from bilingual staff and students in the program. Possibly, a foreign language student who needs help could have a bilingual teacher assist them with translating tests. Students could also help.

Another idea that was suggested was translated posters. However, the idea was not unanimously agreed upon. When senior Luis Padilla first came to San Dimas High School, he was not fluent in English, and he shared many of the struggles discussed in the Courageous Conversation. Padilla believes that announcements in the news is a more effective way to spread the word to foreign language students that they can get help. He doesn’t believe posters are the best way to get the attention of students who don’t speak English fluently.

It must be stated, for the sake of clarity, that none of the ideas suggested are final. The most important takeaway from the conversation was that assisting our non-English speaking students is an important focus. Padilla related to the topic a lot.

Padilla also understands the academic struggles that came with doing work in English when he wasn’t fluent. “If you can’t do an assignment, it can be really hard,” said Padilla.

However, it is not useful to be inactive and think about how it must be hard for a certain group. As the students present at that Courageous Conversation know, it is better to be proactive.

“I think we should help those people,” said Senior Luis Padilla. “I am willing to help anyone that needs it.”