I have revisited my purpose statement several times, I am still unsatisfied with the current stage it is in. However, I acknowledge the effort it takes in creating a statement of change that connects to the hearts of others, thus I will not give up. Dr. Kotter highlights the importance of connecting to the heart of others; if we desire a change in behavior, we must focus on making people feel the need to invest (2011). I implore you to forget the focus that has been placed on language acquisition for bilingual students and take the stand of developing the native language. As a former emergent bilingual student and a current bilingual teacher, I know the importance of native language. Once the foundation of knowledge is gained, the transfer of vocabulary and concepts occurs with time.  

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Imagine being surrounded by people who speak a different language than you. They tell you how to get from one location to another. You try to understand what they say, yet quickly become overwhelmed by the intensity of everyone's tone and intense facial gestures. You freeze. How are you supposed to concentrate? How are you expected to comprehend the information given to you? Emergent bilinguals deal with this obstacle daily at school, a safe place. When we think about the idea of moving to a new country, we tend to romanticize it. There are several struggles one encounters; the most frustrating ones are the need to belong, rejection of native culture and self, and the desire to communicate without being able to. We rely on children being resilient, without giving them the safety of growing within themselves.

 

 By focusing on emergent bilinguals’ native language, we cultivate proficient individuals in two languages. Even more so, we set forth individuals with a growth mindset and confidence. Individuals with self-worth. Citizens with a sense of belonging and purpose. Gone are the worries of matching monolinguals in every stage of life, instead the focus will be collaboration with those around. They will express their ideas and thoughts to more than just their current country. They will open connections to the world. They can innovate. Let us focus on the actual need of emergent bilinguals and stomp out the erroneous idea that emergent bilinguals need a second language to succeed. As Dr. Kotter said, we can start to change when we remove the negative feeling of anxiety, and urge others to understand the importance of those battling around us (2013).

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