Diego was scared and sad in Guatemala. He was thinking:

"This city is too dangerous. It is time for me to find a safer place to live in! I know that The USA is a safe country for kids."

Diego was a 12 year-old boy who lived in Guatemala with his grandparents. Diego was born in Santa Eulalia. It was a very poor, dangerous, and sad town. When Diego was a baby his parents had to move to the USA. They made that difficult decision because they wanted to work and build a better future for their baby. Unfortunately, Diego's parents couldn't take their baby with them. The journey to The USA was very dangerous. It was especially dangerous for a little baby like Diego. For that reason his parents had to leave him in Guatemala.

"Please take care of Diego!"

"Please be safe and

come back soon!"

Twelve years later, Diego traveled to The USA to join his parents and siblings. When Diego arrived to the USA, he met his family for the first time. He was happy to be with his family. Finally, he found the place where he wanted to live for the rest of his life. Diego was enrolled in Thomas County Middle School. He was so happy to be studying in a nice and large school. His teachers provided Diego with nice school supplies that he never had in his former school.

"Welcome son!

We missed you so much!"

"Mom! Dad!"

However, Diego did not feel very smart in his new school. He didn't speak any English. When other students were speaking English, he felt like they were talking about him. Diego felt bad because he didn't understand English. Later on, Diego met a student named Pedro who spoke Spanish and English. They became best friends. Pedro helped Diego with everything. He showed Diego all the important places in the school.

"Hola Diego"

"Hola Pedro"

"No te preocupes, yo te voy a ayudar."

"Don't worry, I am going to help you."

"Pedro, No comprendo."

"Pedro, I don't understand."

In 7th grade, Diego met Ms. Argen Loaisiga. She was the English for Speakers of Other languages' teacher. Ms. Loaisiga teaches students to speak and write in English. Her class helped Diego to feel confident. In her class, Diego was free to speak and to ask questions in Spanish or English. In the ESOL class Diego was not afraid to make mistakes when he spoke or wrote in English.

"Welcome Diego!"

"Bienvenido Diego"

"I love soccer too!"

"Diego, what is your favorite sport?"

"I like soccer, Ms. Loaisiga!"

In 8th grade, Diego was able to speak English much better. So, it was easier for him to make new friends. Diego made a lot of friends because he was finally able to communicate in English. Diego was very happy about that.

Diego made new friends in the ESOL classroom, too. He now helps new English learners to get to know the school and to understand their classes; just like other students helped him in the past. Diego loves helping people! His new friends in the ESOL classroom are Rae and Alex. Diego helped Rae to understand what she had to do in her classes. Diego loves to serve as an interpreter between teachers and students.