Spanish Class Discussion - Anna's Journey

Time Frame

• Three months later, Anna has only two days left until her trip to Mexico.

Conversations

• Anna speaks with Sra. Borda after Spanish class, who informs her about the differences in living conditions in Mexico.

Insight from Sra. Borda

• Sra. Borda explains that many Mexican families may not be wealthy and emphasizes the value of the experience for Anna.

Anna’s Excitement

• Anna expresses gratitude and excitement to Sra. Borda for the opportunity.

Mode of Travel

• Anna travels to Mexico by plane, flying from Los Angeles Airport.

Travel Companions

• Anna is accompanied by her family, Sara, and Elsa to the airport.

Mixed Emotions

• After checking her plane ticket, Anna feels a combination of sadness, excitement, and fear.

Airline Details

• Anna is flying with a Mexican airline.

Departure Ritual

• Before boarding, Anna hugs her friends and family, who all shout "goodbye."

Arrival Details

• Three hours after departure, Anna arrives in Guadalajara.

Connecting Flight

• Upon arrival in Guadalajara, she boards another flight to Tepic, Nayarit.

Geography

• Nayarit is a state in Mexico, similar to California in the U.S.

Family Anticipation

• Anna does not see the Sanchez family upon arrival, leading to her worry (preocupada).

Introduction

• Anna introduces herself to a man named José Gomez, expressing her origin and familial ties.

Language Barrier

• Anna struggles to understand José due to the language barrier.

Taxi Assistance

• José assists Anna in finding a taxi, where she provides the driver's address for her family.

Thankful Exchange

• Anna expresses her gratitude to José, who wishes her luck in Mexico.

Sources of Fear

• Anna's fears stem from the absence of her family at the airport, being in a foreign country, and her limited Spanish comprehension.

Taxi Communication

• Anna responds in a friendly manner to the taxi driver despite the language differences.

Arrival at the Sanchez Home

• Upon arrival, Anna gives the taxi driver a small payment and knocks on the door of her family's house.

Family Welcome

• Susana, a 14-year-old girl, opens the door and expresses concern for Anna’s situation.

Reassuring Response

• Anna reassures Susana that everything is okay and that she is there now.

Communication Challenges

• Ana does not fully grasp the family's explanations for their absence at the airport, responding with smiles and "si."

Emotional State

• Anna feels scared and worried due to her inability to understand the conversations around her.

Family Structure

• The Sanchez family consists of a mother (Julia), father (Earnesto), and four children: two daughters (Juana and Susana) and two sons (Pablo and Juan).

Configuration of Children

• Juana is 16, Susana is 14, Pablo is 12, and Juan is 8 years old.

Earnesto’s Welcome

• Earnesto warmly welcomes Anna, offering her a place in his family despite their small home.

Communication Facilitation

• Susana speaks a little English, allowing for basic communication with Anna.

Questions and Responses

• Juana and Susana ask Anna various questions about her life, but she requests they speak more slowly due to her limited understanding.

Anna’s Profile

• Anna is 15 years old and does not have a boyfriend. She enjoys her school, West Torrance High.

Cultural Insights

• Juana explains that families with new cars are considered wealthy in Mexico; the Sanchez family does not own one.

Living Conditions

• Anna finds the Sanchez home simple, with a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms, but lacking hot water.

Sleeping Arrangements

• Family members have designated sleeping areas: Susana and Juana in one bedroom, parents in another, Juan sleeping on the living room floor, and Pablo on the couch.

Educational Discussions

• Anna learns school is in session from September to June and asks about subjects they study, finding that Susana studies similar subjects.

Friends and Social Life

• Susana's best friend, Paula, and another friend, Elena, both live in Tepic and attend the same school.

Veronica as a Companion

• Veronica is noted as Juana’s best friend and also studies at the same school.

Duration of Conversations

• Anna, Juana, and Susana converse for three hours, building camaraderie and understanding.

Acceptance of the New Family

• Anna expresses her fondness for her new family, indicating a positive outcome from her experiences.