Parent/Teacher conferences were held citywide today in middle schools, and while mine was mostly uneventful, there was one story worth noting.
A woman came in to see me, and tagging along with her was an ESL student who speaks very little English. I invited them both in and asked them to sit.
I frequently get ESL parents in to see me who speak little or no English, so it was a relief to me when this boy, named Ling, said to me, "I am translate." So I started telling Ling what to tell his mother.
"Ling does most of his homework and is learning well," I said.
Ling dutifully translated, and the mom nodded.
I continued. "Ling should be working harder on his projects, though."
Again, a translation and a nod. This went on for about five minutes. Finally, the woman stood up, bowed, and left with Ling.
I waited a moment for the next parent to enter. To my surprise, Ling came back in the room, and this time, with a new woman in tow.
"Who is this?" I asked.
"This my mother," said Ling.
"Who was the woman I spoke to a moment ago?"
"I am translate," said Ling. Well, I couldn't argue with that. It never even occurred to me that the first woman wasn't Ling's mom. I still don't know who she was, but at least her child is doing well. At least, that's what Ling says.
1 comment:
lmfao
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