Kim succeeds in breaking language barriers
By Elissa Koh,
Bludevilhub.com Staff–
Myungji Kim was a frightened, silent freshman when she first arrived in America from South Korea. With very little knowledge about the United States or how to speak English, she enrolled at Holmes Junior High. Right away, she became conscious of the language and cultural barriers looming in front of her, daring her to climb over.
Kim, now a sophomore at Davis High, came to Davis in January of 2015 with her parents. Her father, a transport engineer who works for Gyeonggi Research Institute, was invited to UC Davis as a visiting scholar and took a sabbatical.
“To move to America was kind of scary to me, but now it’s interesting,” she said.
Although Kim had studied English grammar at her previous school in Korea, the transition to America was still challenging. However, on her first day of school at Holmes, she met her first friend, sophomore JuHye Mun, who was willing to aid her in the task of overcoming the daunting language barrier.
“[Mun] ate lunch with me and toured me around the school. I was really happy she was there for me,” Kim said.
Mun’s parents are Korean immigrants who migrated to America when she was 11 months old. Mun was determined to help Kim adjust the moment she stepped foot on campus.
“Myungji was quiet and shy, but she had the cutest smile that gave me the impression that she’s super sweet,” Mun said.
Even though Kim had the support of Mun, she still struggled in school.
Kim not only had a difficult time adjusting to classrooms and doing assignments since everything was in English, but also experienced trouble outside of school as people spoke English all around her.
“I was very nervous to speak in English, such as ordering something in the restaurant and doing presentation in front of the classmates,” Kim said.
Fortunately, junior Lauren Yoo lent her shoulder for Kim to lean on.
Yoo is another Korean immigrant who came to Davis a year before Kim. She was able to relate to Kim’s situation and helped her feel more comfortable in America.
“I would have wanted that kind of support if I were in her situation,” Yoo said.
Children of immigrants have a tendency to bond with other children of immigrants who share similar experiences, according to Erin Hamilton, an assistant professor of sociology at UC Davis.
With the help of supportive friends, Kim was ready to start fresh at a new school and began gaining confidence. Although Kim hasn’t mastered her English skills, she is determined to continue learning.
Mun has observed Kim making headway and continuously encourages her.
“She talks to me more. I think she’s more comfortable speaking English to me now. She’s learned a lot,” Mun said.
English Language Development teacher Curtis Miller has enjoyed seeing Kim open up a little and practice speaking during class.
“[Kim] kind of has a quiet voice. But I’ve seen her give it her all so far and I think she’s grown in her confidence a little bit as an English speaker and in speaking and presenting who she is,” Miller said.
In January of 2016, Kim will return to Korea. She is excited to be reunited with her old friends, yet reluctant to leave her new friends.
“I’m going to miss the friends who helped me a lot, who encouraged me to do well,” said Kim, who hopes to return to America as an exchange student in college.
