Peer relationships are very influential in all of our lives. Our peer groups usually set the standards on regards to, what is normal and abnormal. Peers mostly shape our identity because for the most part, we all want to fit in (no one ever likes the feeling of being left out). Peers can be kids that make fun of us or can be, for the most part, our friends. In regards to immigrant children, friendships may greatly assist children, in their new environment through “modeling so they can learn to fit acceptable peer and cultural norms” (p. 113). Friendships and peer bonding was a highly utilized tool, used by Dr. Igoa, in her classroom to help bridge the academic achievement and language gaps within her classroom of immigrant children. Clearly, friendships and peer relationships, all aid immigrant children in their search to find security, comfort, and a sense of belonging, which, all necessary for long lasting success in their new country.
Newly arrived immigrants, are forced to plant themselves, in places that are directly dictated by their monetary and family resources. If the family doesn’t have much money, they are forced to live in poorer urban areas. This places them in a very precarious situation because their children are immediately forced to attend poorer public schools, which have less money for education. The fact of the matter is, outside of one’s immediate family, school and our neighborhood have a dramatic and life changing effect on all of us. Orozco & Orozco strongly suggested that the neighborhood, affects the kind of English immigrant children learn, which in turn affects their future job prospects and later education (p. 130 & 131).
The lack of social support greatly affects immigrant children and families. If the school systems doesn’t align their curriculum with the needs of the immigrant children, most of those children may suffer academically. The truth is, not every teacher supports their immigrant students. Orozco & Orozco critically highlighted many opposing views shared by teachers in regards to immigrant children and academic ability. Shockingly, some teachers suggested that immigrant students were “less intelligent, lazy & more prone to get into trouble” (p.127). Obviously, if the teachers hold such low expectations for their immigrant students, the students in return will fail because their teacher did not support them in the first place.
Family is one of the most important institutions in society. As mentioned earlier, the immigrant families’ financial resources greatly impacts the lives of their children, in regards to living arrangements, neighborhood choice, school systems, extracurricular activities and educational support. Igoa suggested that her students flourished because their immediate families supported them in their academic endeavors, which reflected in better grades and social relationships.
School was described by immigrant children in Orozco & Orozco text as “my life, my second family & the pathway to success” (p. 125). I found Orozco & Orozco findings to be very accurate. Last week, as I talked to Leonel, I asked him if he excited that the school year was ending soon. To my surprise, he stated, “No, I like school and I don’t want it to end”. He enjoys the routine, spending time with his friends, watching over his brother and above all learning. I truly envied his lust for learning! He really has taken full advantage of all of the learning opportunities by participating in sports, and the U.C. mentorship. I am going to miss him very much. He is so bright, funny and frank…it was very refreshing to meet someone like him!
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