Evanceline Tang, a senior at Temple City High School, just got accepted to UCLA Biochemistry major this spring. Born in Hong Kong, China, Evanceline has faced similar struggles to many first-generation students in learning the language and adapting to American culture.
Reflecting on her early years, Evanceline remembers feeling isolated when she moved to the United States in fourth grade. “Language and cultural differences set me apart from others, subjecting me to exclusion and ridicule. I had a tough time making friends because of these differences,” she shares. “It was really hard trying to fit in.”
However, Evanceline didn’t let these challenges stop her from pursuing her dream of engaging in American culture and pursuing higher education. After realizing that improving her English was crucial to connecting with her classmates, she began to take initiatives, step out of the comfort zone, and practice her English in school. “Taking small steps at a time, I began asking my teachers questions about their lessons after class and attempted to speak up during group discussions,” she explains. “I used to talk very little because I was afraid others would judge me and make fun of my pronunciation.” Beyond the classroom, Evanceline continued to practice English by immersing herself in the world of books. “I also read books in English to get broader exposure to the language,” she adds with a smile.
Her efforts paid off, and by high school, Evanceline was able to speak English fluently and participate in numerous school activities. Inspired by her own journey, she decided to lend a helping hand to other students facing similar obstacles by joining the ELEVATE Mentoring Program at Temple City High School, where she supported her peers who were also ELD ( English Language Development) students. ELEVATE Mentoring program was a program designed to help new immigrated students with English skill developing and guiding them through high school. “I was able to grow both emotionally and socially as I got better at communicating with others and being empathetic and patient in the process of helping my mentees,” she shares. “Simultaneously, I became good friends with most of my mentees as our bonds strengthened. It galvanizes me to see my mentees growing over the time we spent together.”
Evanceline’s own journey as an ELD student has shaped her approach to better help her mentee with English learning. Through her experience, she fully understands the struggles faced by her mentees, enabling her to think from their perspectives. Her efforts were effective, as she notes, “One of my mentees is able to go to her counselor on her own to ask questions. Previously, I had to accompany her every time.”
When asked for ways to help ELD students with English learning, Evanceline suggests, “Try to read as often as possible to expose yourself to English more. However, read books that you enjoy reading (I have read a lot of fantasy novels) instead of those self-help books or autobiographies if you don’t like them as much. Also, try to watch more shows or talks in English and reiterate after the words people spoke inside. Try your best to imitate their tone and pace.”
