When Evanceline Tang first stepped into her fourth-grade classroom after moving from Hong Kong, simple conversations felt like mountains to climb. Now, as she prepares to study Biochemistry at UCLA this fall, she remembers those early days with understanding eyes.
“Language and cultural differences set me apart from others,” Tang says , sitting in Temple City High School’s courtyard during lunch break. “I had a tough time making friends because of these differences. It was really hard trying to fit in.”
Like many students learning English, Tang found herself hesitating to speak up in class, worried about pronunciation and potential judgment from classmates. But gradually, she began taking small steps forward. “I started by asking teachers questions after class,” she explains. “Then I tried speaking up during group discussions.”
Outside school, Tang found comfort and progress in an unexpected place – fantasy novels. Reading became not just a way to learn English, but an escape into new worlds where language barriers didn’t exist.
Now a senior, Tang spends her free periods helping other English learners through the school’s ELEVATE Mentoring Program. During a recent mentoring session, she sits with her mentees, switching easily between English and their native languages, creating a comfortable space for questions and conversation.
“One of my mentees recently went to see her counselor by herself,” Tang shares, her face lighting up. “Before, she always needed someone to go with her.” These small victories mean more to Tang than her own achievements.
When asked what advice she’d give to current English learners, Tang thinks carefully before responding. “Read what you actually enjoy,” she suggests. “If you like fantasy novels, read those. Don’t force yourself through books you don’t like just because they seem more educational.” She adds with a laugh, “I probably learned more English from watching TV shows than from textbooks.”
As Tang prepares for UCLA this fall, she remains focused on helping her mentees. Between chemistry homework and college preparations, she still makes time for weekly mentoring sessions, passing forward the support that once helped her find her own voice.
By Maggie Zhang
