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KRCC presents
A Live Radio Show taping of NPR's Wait, wait... don't tell me!
KRCC presents
Tommy Castro
KRCC presents
The Haunted Windchimes
KRCC presents
Tab Benoit
KRCC and Maven Productions present
Ani DiFranco
KRCC presents
The MeadowGrass Music Festival
This past Spring, The Big Something recorded personal essays by a group of students many of whom, though not all, are immigrants learning English as a second language. Others are adults studying for their GED while working full-time jobs.
Their teacher, Sue, writes:
Teaching adults is beyond rewarding; I feel as if I am teaching two generations at once, because I know that whatever they learn, they will then be able to pass on to their children. My students inspire me every day with their persistence, determination, and often humor in the midst of it all. I repeatedly profess to them that EVERYONE has a story to tell, and that theirs are just as important as anybody elses.
Although they may be reading at the middle school level, many of my students are second language learners whose speaking and writing skills are still developing. So I have them talk and write about their lives. Thanks to KRCC, they now have a chance to tell them. I am so proud of their courage.
In this first installment of this series of stories, which we’ll run on Wednesdays over the next five weeks, we’ll hear Julia’s story of crossing the US/Mexico border.
Click on the player below to stream it or you can download it by right clicking on THIS LINK.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
If you’d like to learn more about the students in Sue Spengler’s class, you can read their blogs at unity-2008.blogspot.com, and at writersofthefuture.blogspot.com.
(If you love The Big Something, right now would be a great time to renew, join for the first time or give a little something extra to KRCC online. Please include a note that you like The Big Something. Thanks! thebigsomething@krcc.org)
I listened to this story with my daughter. She had never heard a personal account of crossing the border. We were both very moved, and had a long conversation afterwards. Thank you KRCC, Julia, and Sue.- Sarah and Evie
Comment by Sarah Hope — September 30, 2009 @ 3:53 pm
thank YOU, Sarah and Evie, for taking the time to listen.
Comment by sue — September 30, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
I loved Julia’s simply, yet richly, told story. It was, I thought, an essential American voice; the hopeful immigrant, first person, honest and brave.
Bravo!
Comment by Eva Syrovy — October 1, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
It was refreshing to hear a story told from someone who could easily be a next door neighbor. It shows the diversity our community has and gives voice to those who are often silent. Stories such as these have a lot of power, and I look forward to the rest in the series.
Comment by JJM — October 2, 2009 @ 9:34 am
Dear Julia, me as being an American citizen, and being from this country, I never could have imagined the trials and tribulations that your people suffer just to come here and have a better life. But I loved your story, and I am glad that you and your family made it here safely.
Comment by Jennifer — October 2, 2009 @ 9:41 am
Beautiful…. Thank you for giving your students the opportunity to be heard. We NEED to hear them. I need to hear them.
Amanda
Comment by Amanda Cronin — October 2, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Thank you, Sue and Julia. This was a moving piece and I look forward to the rest of the series. Thanks, Sue, for your inspiration and motivation. Thanks, Julia, for your vivid description of your journey to the US. Best to both of you, Beth
Comment by Beth Skelton — October 2, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
[...] 1, 2009] Founded by Jim Trissel in the late-1970s, The Press at Colorado College has long been…New Voices: Julia [September 30, 2009] This past Spring, The Big Something recorded personal essays by a group of [...]
Pingback by KRCC: The Big Something — October 7, 2009 @ 6:06 am
Great job Julia, sometime takes lots of courage to speak about this things. Lots of us know the feeling, and the meaning to come to the US. Keep working hard to get better every day. It will give you the motivation you need to accomplish your dreams.
Comment by Silvia — October 8, 2009 @ 8:38 am
I’m so glad you and your husband made it to the U.S.A.(Colorado Springs)because I can’t imagine how hard is for immigrants to come here.
Comment by jenny — October 8, 2009 @ 8:39 am
Thanks Julia to let us hear about your experience crossing the river, it`s a good to know the immigrants can be listened. And thanks Sue for allowed it.
Comment by Angel M. — October 8, 2009 @ 8:43 am
Oh my God Julia that is a very touching story. And you know what that I wouldn’t be able to be as brave as you.. You have a lot of guts. I remember I told my mom that if I couldn’t make it through the bridge that I would not even try to risk my life crossing the border like you did. Because my mom and dad tried that and almost died trying. Besides those (coyotes) aren’t safe; they always loose you or they rape the women. So I didn’t even bother but thank God I made it through the bridge or else I seriously would have rather stayed in Mexico. So you story is very touching and you are such a brave person. I am so happy for you Julia and I hope that you do go back to see your family again. WOW!!
Comment by Vicky — October 8, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Wow your story’s very touching. It sound like my Grandpa’s, but his is a little different. He told us that he had to walk for days, but I don’t know how many. They were getting ready to cross the river when the guy that was suppose to help them cross it came and told them that they weren’t going to cross it because the family’s didn’t want to pay up front. So he left them in a house for a month without food, so they had to eat what ever they had. A month later they crossed the river and while they were crossing it he fell and hurt his foot. When he got here he had to go to the hospital and get it checked out.
Comment by Diana — October 8, 2009 @ 9:07 am
This is an amazing story about your courage and force. In one moment I was feelling something like that. Thank God and my dad I’m legal resident; but not my daughter, so when she was in the line border whit a “coyote” that moment for me was the most longer and horrible in all my live. She was only three years old and she was whit a stranger. Fortunately now we are together and happy. Those stories show how many we are able to do for a better life.
Comment by Lorena — October 8, 2009 @ 9:10 am
When I listened to this story I couldn’t believe my ears.
I listened repeatedly.Like a movie story, but it is real.
Lots of criminal overflowing world…Whose fault?
Shame on us…Everyone can make it better place…
What should I do? I ‘m thinking…This Marina’s story challenges
me and encourages,too at the same time…
Comment by Eenyoung — October 9, 2009 @ 9:13 am
[...] Voices (You can listen to the first installment HERE, and the second installment HERE) came about this past Spring when The Big Something recorded [...]
Pingback by KRCC: The Big Something — October 14, 2009 @ 6:04 am
WOW!!! I really like your story Julia. It is very touching. I know how you feel because like you I am an immigrant too.
Comment by danira pizarro — October 15, 2009 @ 8:58 am
Hola Julia your story is very sad. Each immigrant suffers deferently.
I’m so happy about all those good comments for your story.KEEP GOING.
Comment by Elena E — October 16, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Thank Julia for your great story. A lot people like us have same stories all looking for best life. Sometime lose of life, but is more big the hunger than the fear.
This opportunity is one. We have keep going hard work, learn English and progress day to day because now this is our new life and the future for our children.
Comment by Alma — October 16, 2009 @ 9:06 am
Dear Julia, you’re just the simple example of what people suffer to reach the “AMERICAN DREAM”. AND risk their lives for a better living. Always look to the future,with pride.Because you made a big effort to live better.You go girl!!!
Comment by haida — October 16, 2009 @ 9:10 am
Thanks Julia for sharing your story.I am sorry for all that happened to you, but now you’re here in the place that you chose and you have to be proud of yourself .
Comment by marina — October 16, 2009 @ 9:10 am
Julia, You remind us all of the most important and basic dreams of humans. I send my blessings to you and your family.
Comment by Lee — October 17, 2009 @ 6:12 am
Hi Julia,
I am writing to you from Europe after having heard your story on the KRCC website. It is really good to read that you are settled and have two children. I am sure that you will encourage and help them to learn just as you have done and I hope that they do not have to repeat the Long March that you have told us about so movingly. Keep learning and keep on Moving Up! Best wishes,
Hector Clark.
Comment by Hector Clark — October 17, 2009 @ 9:17 am
All 3 stories are so inspiring. These women are motivated, working hard and trying to make their lives better. In order to do so, they have to get out of an unsafe, unjust situation. I give them credit for their courage and determination. I believe that the U.S. needs to help fix this situation at our borders before fixing other foreign countries. Thanks, again, Sue!
Comment by Terre — October 19, 2009 @ 7:59 am
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