Have you ever met someone who can switch between two languages quickly? Johana Turner a senior at Carter High School speaks both Spanish and English, this allows her to communicate with different people. Being bilingual is important to Johana because she understands both languages. Her ability to speak Spanish and English helps her communicate with people and understand them. Johana learned Spanish while growing up because her mother spoke it. She learned English through school in fifth grade. She said “Being bilingual is helpful because I get to help people if they need to understand anything no matter where I am”. “The most challenging part about being bilingual is having to switch back and forth between Spanish and English to communicate with people, I often get my words switched up sometimes and it just gets confusing”. Johana friend Amaila Godinez, also a senior at Carter High School, says “I have seen Johana use Spanish to help other people. She assists students who are new to the United States, those who have arrived and do not yet know English. She explains things very well, gives good translations and shows them what they need to do”. Johana’s ability to speak both Spanish and English is an important skill that allows her to connect with different people. She uses her bilingual skills to help others, especially students that are new to the United States and are still learning English. Although switching between languages can sometimes be difficult, Johana shows how being bilingual can make a positive difference in other people’s lives.
