I am a Hispanic student at Central. My first language is not English, and neither is my parents’.  

I was born into the first generation, whose parents do not know the language. I am often indifferent to extracurricular activities since most students in the class are English speakers, and with that in mind, most teachers and programs don’t attempt to include parents who are not English speakers.  

It’s very difficult to show my parents what I’m working on. I have never been given papers in Spanish for my parents to understand what is happening in my life, like playbills or informative papers about school trips.  

 We are told we are a “diverse school,” yet as a school or community have not done enough to consider families who don’t speak English. My parents still come to most of my events not because they understand what is happening, but because I am their child. I know that they are proud of me, but it’s extremely hard to know what they are proud of me for. I have been in multiple extracurricular activities, but none think about Spanish speakers, except for two.  

I am part of the O-Book staff, and it is pleasant to be in a community with them, but this isn’t only about the yearbook. It’s about the Register and the way they include students who speak other languages. I have met Spanish speakers who are part of the Register, and they, as a community, decided to become more inclusive for all students, and their families, who are Spanish speakers by translating their articles.  

I have seen this process: it might seem like it takes longer, but with the right amount of inspiration that they have, it takes the same amount of time as another article. The process begins with a person writing an article on a topic of their choice, and then it is edited by an editor on The Register. Then it is assigned to a Spanish speaker to get them to translate it. They do not use Google Translate for this process, which shows how much more work they put in, and with all the hard work it ends up being published and sent around the school. 

After 11 years of school, I have been so surprised by The Register’s inclusivity in including the success and skills of their Spanish-speaking students. The O-Book will also have some Spanish content this year, including a page about Quinceaneras. 

I have never really felt so seen. Growing up, it would be difficult to catch up with things going on at school. With The Register being in Spanish, this would not be a problem for current or future students.  

My younger self would be so glad that I’m in a community where they include us and our language, I can finally show my parents what my friends are working on, but not mine due to other activities not giving the option for Spanish or other languages.