Testimonials

[When] I came from Colombia to this country 30 years ago, my English was very poor and I just knew enough words to get by in some situations. I was stuck on most occasions, due to my lack of understanding of the language. I mostly hung around Spanish speaking people at first. Even when I was studying English at an adult school, I couldn't practice it because I was only speaking Spanish with the people at work. Only after I changed jobs was I able to practice my English skills and understand a lot more about the American people and culture. More opportunities opened up for me because I could finally be part of the conversation in most situations and participate in the daily American, life from which I was alienated before [due to] the simple fact [that I did not] speak the language. A country with many languages is a weak country, but a country with one language is a strong country. We need that if we are to survive as a nation. I am proud to be an American now, and I don't feel I am betraying my culture or my native country for this. On the contrary, I am able to share it now simply by being able to communicate with everyone in English and getting the same respect we all deserve as Americans.