Anyone who moves to a new place must undergo an adjustment period while adapting to the new environment, but that phase is oftentimes longer and more strenuous for those arriving from other countries. In many cases, these new residents speak little to no English, which means a simple task such as going to school can become a burden to students. While adjusting to a new culture these students are sometimes faced with ridicule and hostility from natural born citizens.
These students can find a safe haven within the Lenoir County Public Schools’ English as a Second Language classes. “This is a little paradise for them,” said Corichi Jimenez, who teaches ESL classes for the county’s middle and high school students at Kinston High School. “It’s okay to use their native language and be with people who are like them.”
