Opinion: After growing up in Mexico, was I prepared for US high school?
Zella Golden, a rising senior at a northern California boarding school, completed primary and part of her secondary education in Mexico. The advantages far outweigh the obstacles she's experienced since transitioning to the U.S. academic system, she writes. The post Opinion: After growing up in Mexico, was I prepared for US high school? appeared first on Mexico News Daily
My parents made the bold decision to bring their newborn twins from Manhattan to a small town in central Mexico when I was only six months old. Moving to San Miguel de Allende for my first 15 years of life meant growing up immersed in a diverse, multicultural environment that cultivated my individuality. Academia Internacional, Colegio Newland, and my extracurricular pursuits all contributed to my academic growth and personal development.
Although the Mexican education system is often questioned for its quality, it provided me with a strong foundation. Pop quizzes, challenging history classes, and a stint as the middle school student body president all prepared me for a U.S. high school. Even my upbringing instilled values like respect and helpfulness, which aided my quick adaptation to a new culture.
Transitioning to an American high school, however, presented a different challenge. Standardized tests like the SSAT were foreign to me, and writing in English was a struggle. Yet, my fluency in Spanish helped me decipher academic vocabulary rooted in Latin. Through determination and support from my peers, I managed to improve my grades and find a newfound passion for history.
In Northern California, my first year was difficult, but I was motivated by the success of my international classmates. During my second year, my love for history deepened, and I even found myself appreciating math. Attending schools where Spanish is spoken has become an integral part of my identity, and I believe it has made adapting to new environments much easier.
As a senior, I am now the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, a prefect in the dorms, and an AP and Honors student. I am confident that the Mexican upbringing I was fortunate enough to experience has contributed to my success and shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and look forward to continuing my academic journey.
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