Reflecting on my own support system, I realized that it had changed dramatically after the demise of my husband two years age. The minute I became a single mother with three children, I was forced to rely on the support of others in order to function on a daily basis. My children, my sister, and my friends became the source of my emotional support. Providing advice, a listening ear, and shoulder to cry on, gave me the power to continue and strive to better myself. Furthermore, my dependence on my friends increased dramatically as I relied on them to drive my children to school and to sport activities.
Losing my husband overnight and becoming a single mom also meant that I needed financial support, something that I had never imagined in my life. Survivor benefits through the Social Security system was the main financial support for my family and continues to be even though I was able to get a job. In addition, programs like Healthy Families, which we didn’t qualify for before my husband’s death, became a lifeline of support providing my children with health insurance and access to health care.
Finally, I also believe that my strong faith continues to provide me with the daily spiritual support that I believe is critical to overcoming any of life’s challenges.
For this week’s blog assignment, I chose to put myself in the shoes of over 21 million people in the United States who speak limited or no English (American Library Association,2012), my challenge is functioning in a society that doesn’t speak my language.
Living in a society that doesn’t speak my language would, indeed, be a daily challenge. As a mother, it would be challenging to keep up with my children’s education and schooling, it would be difficult to monitor their activity on the internet, and it would definitely create a barrier between me and them should I seek their help to interpret rather than them seeking mine. As a functioning member of society, I would imagine that acquiring a job would be a challenge, as being fluent in English is usually a prerequisite. In addition, if my native language is not Spanish (which it is not) then running a normal life that requires daily communication would be hindered. The biggest supporting factors would be my immediate family. Having my children or my husband communicate on my behalf would keep me informed and connected. Although, as a mother, I would not feel emotionally fulfilled if I felt limited in my abilities to help my family and instead needed theirs.
Secondly, my bilingual friends; they can provide support by translating important information and keeping me updated on events taking place in my community. For example, help me register for extracurricular activities around the city.
Thirdly, another supporting factor would be free adult school programs offered through libraries and school districts to enhance English language acquisition. Here in Corona, California, The Corona Public Library in partnership with the Corona-Norco USD offers an ESL class, GED and Citizenship preparation as well as introductory computer classes and a weekly phonics class, all for free (Corona Public Library, 2012).
Lastly, something I discovered through researching the topic in the state of California, state law requires that patients have the right to an interpreter from their commercial health and dental plans (Department of Managed Health Care, 2012). The law was in response to the state’s diverse population; more than 40 percent of the state's 37 million residents speak a language other than English, according to U.S. census estimates. Such law would provide me with great support during medical care.
Over all, while living a normal daily life without the ability to speak the native language is challenging, it is one challenge that is being experienced by many in the United States. Thus, the problem has transformed from an individual challenge to a national one, prompting support, understanding and adjustments in laws and attitudes of people who live in our diverse society.
References:
Department of Managed Health Care. (2012). Benefits and Rights. Retrieved from
http://www.dmhc.ca.gov/dmhc_consumer/br/br_default.aspxCorona public library. (2012). Literacy. Retrieved from http://www.coronapubliclibrary.org/ResourceTools/Literacy.aspx
That is a great insight of how difficult it is for those who do not speak the native tongue to interact in society. When I see children having to translate for their parents, I feel bad for both of them. The parents have to be dependent on their children who sometimes are just too young to have that responsibility of relaying messages and in my own experience the children become embarrassed that their parents do not speak the same language as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteAs another Californian, I did not know that was a law. I am always so confused on what the doctors are telling me as it is, that I could not imagine how difficult it would be in broken-English translation.
Hi Rola, What an excellent post! My condolences to and your children, regarding the loss of your husband. I too am a single mom (divorce) but my ex-husband is a much higher than average money maker. Although he is often out of the country, and is tied to a wife and step son, he is dedicated to our girls and demonstrates that through his ability to be financially supportive of them. As an educator my ability to financially support my girls is limited, and I am grateful for his financial support of them. I'm glad that you have the support of your sister, your children, and friends... all so important!
ReplyDeleteIn regard to language and ethnicity, I "heard" that in California, people of caucasian decent now make up the minority of all peoples living in California today. Do you know if this is true?