This week I began meeting with students at Trickum Middle School. On Tuesday straight after school, I went to TMS. Once I got there I finally met Mrs. Estrada- Johnson and I quickly remembered that I was her student for Latin my 7th grade year.

She had a list of students that she was pulling out of class to come talk to me. There were about 25 Latino students from 6th to 8th grade. Immediately the students wanted to know the reason why I was there.

I put together a presentation on the information about my organization.

After I was done talking they had many questions. Here are some of them:
- How is high school?
- Where can I get more information on scholarships?
- How will college be?
- What if I don't know what I want to be when I grow up?

On October 6th I will be visiting them. I made a sheet for them to fill out so I can get to know them better. I had a great connection with these students and I am so excited to start working with them more.

Also. Mrs. Johnson and I really got along. She told me about her experiences as a Latino student when she was younger. I'm so thankful I have get help on all of this.

The past week has been such a great week for my organization. I was able to schedule 2 meetings to get together with Latino students and discuss academic success.

Tomorrow I am meeting with the ESOL students at Trickum Middle School and I am sharing my academic story with them.

Later next month, I am meeting with Bethesda Elementary 5th graders to tell them about my academic success.

Here is an outline on what I want to speak to them about:

• About me 

- My current academic performance
- My past academics
- Fun personal facts so they can know me better

• Ways that I was able to overcome academic setbacks

- How teachers helped
- Getting past the language barrier
-Doing homework
- Importance of reading and writing

• Latino Success

- Statistics
- Failure should not be expected from us
- Raise above the stereotypes

• My assistance 

-Explain how I can help them out

• How to get involved and be academically successful

-Extracurricular (Clubs, Sports)
- AP Classes
- Be on good terms with grown ups
- Study
- Stay motivated and do not give up.

I am so excited to share some awesome news. As I said before, I emailed Mrs. Sands, Trickum Middle School Principle, and I explained my organization to her. She gladly forwarded my email to the TMS ESOL teacher, Mrs. Johnson- Estrada. 

I politely asked Mrs. Johnson if there was anyway I could meet with her students. She was delighted about the fact that I wanted to be involved with the ESOL kids. I am working on scheduling a meeting with these students. I was told that their ESOL class was from 8:55 to 12:15, and unfortunately at that time I am still in school. However, she is willing to put together a day where the students and I can meet in her classroom after I get out of school. 

I am currently working on getting together information to share with the students. I have decided on putting together a motivational video for the students. This video is going to include the negative reality about Latino education in the US and how we can change that reality to make a better future for ourselves. I am also going to write out a questionnaire for the students to fill out, so I can get to know about their home life, school life, and academic/life goals. 

Also, Lilburn Park is hosting an International Festival and Mrs. Johnson will be there to represent Trickum Middle School. I am planning on going to visit here while she is there and discussing my plans with her. 

Progess

This Friday in class I emailed the Arcado Elementary School and Trickum Middle School principles. I informed them about beginning this ELL organization. I still have no received respond from the Arcado principle, however, the Trickum Middle School principle, Kay Sands, responded.

She replied saying:
"Hello Emily,
I have copied Ms. Estrada-Johnson, our ESOL teacher.  I think she will be
interested in knowing about your goal and be able to coordinate something
with you.  We are participating in the International Festival in Lilburn,
and you may be able to contribute to that by working with the Latino
students.
I can here the passion in your email, and it is a delight to know about
your success story!
Hopefully Ms. E. can work with you regarding your idea.
Take care,"

After receiving this email I began to feel so uplifted and I am hopeful that this organization will be successful. 

My plans for this upcoming week are to hopefully receive an email from the Arcado principle, construct and informational sheet to give out to the parents of the students I begin to be introduced to.

Also, Monday and Tuesday night I am volunteering at Knight Elementary School to translate for Spanish speaking parents during conferences. I will take this opportunity to speak to parents and teachers about the organization.  

20% Time Introduction

My project name is called "ELL Organization" meaning "Emerging Latino Leaders Organization". I'm planning on creating an organization to help Latino students emerge as leaders. My goal is to mentor them throughout their pathway towards success. I want to have a long life impact on each of their lives. The ultimate task is to put together a two group of students (one elementary & one middle school) and talk to them about how to become successful.
I have come up with a to-do list consisting of tasks that will all lead up to meeting with the students.

•Email the principles of Arcado Elementary and Trickum Middle School and ask for permission to speak to the teachers in order to get the word out to them and the students
•Come up with an informational form that explains the purpose of the organization
•Brainstorm what I will say to the students
•Create an outline of the lesson plans/topics I want to discuss with the students
•Construct a student questionnaire for the children to fill out in order for me to get to know them better (will include plans for the future, questions about family life, personal info about them)
•Come up with a schedule for meetings & plan on where meetings will be held/ what time

I am so excited to begin meeting with the students. I have a passion for helping others. I want to guide Latino students that might not be aware of the opportunities that are available for them.