Led by Dr. Allison Slade, the two newest DLTL cohorts collaborated on a culturally responsive writing activity in their DLTL 443 class – Academic Language Development Across Content Areas. Using mentor text poem “Where I’m From” each class wrote one poem that expressed their identities and culture. Presented here is the poem written by our Schaumburg DLTL Cohort:

Where I’m From – Schaumburg DLTL Cohort, Summer 2019

I am from a barren land

          And scorching sun

From mofongo, parranda, bomba

          And coqui, coqui are a voice.

I am from chocolate abuelita con bolillos

          And hearing the “paletero bells” right after Sunday mass.

From large extended family parties

          And cousins as siblings

Soy del olor a café Prieto a las 5 am

          Y del canto del coqui a la hora de dormir.

From where the beaches are beautiful,

          And sunlight fills us with energy.

I am from birthday parties, piñatas

          And pozole

From M + M Mcflurries

          And matzah ball soup

Yo soy de donde las alas de la mariposa monarca vuelan a tu alrededor

          And the windy city airs that blow you away.

I am from the island of eternal summers

          And now the land of snow, snow and more snow!

I am from Nacho el yardero

          And Chabela la limpia casas.

From Cuidad de México, Neza

          And la casa de mi abuelita

I am from my great grandmother’s name

          And my grandma’s niña.

From soft grass between my toes

          And the fft-fft of the sprinkler.

I am from summer days with my dad

          And evenings with my mom.

I am from dirt, construction zones

          And 2x4s.

From motor oil in the asphault

          And graffiti spray cans.

I am from roller skating at the Rainbow Roller Rink while my mother watched,

          And the DJ played the song “Africa” by Toto

Soy de cruzar el Puente

          Y Beall Elementary School

I am from double dutch

          And Red Light, Green Light

I am from jelly shoes

          And barefoot baths in the sink

From moving trucks

          And permanent boxes in the garage

I am from basketball

          And Michael Jordan

Yo soy de libertad al aire, baños en la Lluvia

          Y corridas en el monte

From the land of fire

          And where being naughty is my attire

From menudo on Sunday mornings

          And scaring my brother till the chancla came flying towards me.

I am from buying tamariondo candy from my neightbor

          And riding my bike by the cornfields

Soy de criarme con muchos animals

          Y darle Cristiana sepulture hasta los más pequeñitos.

The newest Schaumburg DLTL Cohort completed their 3 intensive courses in June, 2019, and is currently enjoying a well-deserved summer break!