Mixteca’s polyglot Santa

I began volunteering at Mixteca over 10 years ago in 2013. At the time, I was pursuing  a bachelor's degree in linguistics from  Lehman College and while I had already studied a few languages myself, I had never taught English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to anyone before. A short while later, a friend of mine invited me to a DREAM Act meeting at Mixteca, and after the meeting was over the education coordinator mentioned to the group that there were volunteer opportunities available. Somehow my friend convinced me to volunteer as an ESOL teacher with her. At first, I was nervous.. Sure, I had been a former ESOL student, tutor, and was studying Linguistics and foreign languages, but I had never taught an entire class before.

The first day of class finally came, and I remember feeling anxious , and excited at the same time. However, any negative feelings I had about myself and my abilities quickly went away. The students were so welcoming, appreciative, and eager to learn. All of my students at Mixteca hold a special place in my heart, because when I look at them, I don’t just see them as my students, but as my extended family and community. Many of them remind me of my own parents and family members just starting out in a new country and trying to find their way. For this reason, I always strive to not only make my lessons engaging, communicative, and as fun as possible, but also to always share any tips, tricks, apps, knowledge or advice with my students about language learning in general. 

Having been an ESOL student myself, a child of immigrant parents, and an undocumented student, I always make sure to share with my students what I believe they should know about their children who might be in a similar situation. I share with them my life and academic experiences and how they can support their children through the process, especially sharing things I wish I had known earlier in life. 

Needless to say, what started out as a volunteer opportunity eventually became my career. After teaching for some time at Mixteca I enrolled in an applied Linguistics masters program to become an ESOL instructor and I have never looked back. I love teaching and I hope to continue doing it as long as possible. Whether it’s teaching an ESOL class, conducting teacher workshops, developing a basic English course for parents and domestic workers, or simply dressing up as Santa every year, Mixteca and its community members will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to volunteer and be a part of the community for as long as possible.

Solo Solito

by Marco Trigoso

Hello, I'm Marco, I'm 27 years old, born in Aucayacu, Peru. Five months ago I arrived in New York City, from Peru. The beginning of my journey and arrival to the United States was difficult and filled with fear. I didn’t know anyone nor the language which played a big factor in adapting to life in the U.S. The uncertainty of so many new things held me back at times. I spent many days in great anguish missing what I had, being far from my home and the people I love most. But I also felt hope. Hope of feeling safe, free in a country with many opportunities to achieve what I set my mind to.

And what I have set my mind to for many years especially during my journey is music. Music gives me life and excites me every day because through my music I can find happiness wherever I am. Through my music I tell stories about my life, which are easier for me to express. Since I was a child I loved to sing, but at home they didn't let me so much, because my parents are Christians and “music of the world” is considered a sin for them. And so I lived my entire childhood and part of my adolescence feeling guilty for my passion and singing in secret. Thanks to the help of an aunt, who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, I found a way to free myself through music. She was also very passionate about music and had an incredible voice, though she never dared to follow her calling, supporting me and seeing me on stage made her dreams come true.

Through the years there were many ups and downs especially through the pandemic where everything just felt more dark. After more than 10 years of writing music and feeling like I would never write anything again, I suddenly felt the need to write what I felt during this time. Things that scared me, and that caused me pain or joy at some point in my life. During this time. I wrote like never before and I began to think about how I could turn my writing into songs. I wrote songs that talk about love and ways to find oneself, finding myself, valuing myself as a human being in a oftentimes unjust society. I never studied music or composition and I had no idea how to start, but somehow I was able to meet people that helped me along the way, and was able to publish my first songs. 

A couple years later, I had the opportunity to migrate to the United States. It was a very difficult decision and I had little time to decide without having many alternatives to choose from. It was now or never and so I decided to take the risk, facing my fears, leaving everything behind to start a new life filled with hope. Today, months after I arrived, I can say that my journey to New York was worth it.  More than ever I am proud of every step taken and one step closer to achieving this great dream of being a musician. I have used my journey and recent experiences to inspire new music. I just released a new song, Solo Solito, that talks about going through a life in complete freedom, getting to know yourself and also letting go of certain things from the past. 

I am very grateful for everything that has happened to me on this path. Through my experience, I have learned that life is too short not to do what makes you happy. I encourage everyone to listen to your heart and always follow your dreams, despite your fears. Let them push you forward, and inspire a new you.