Eagle Era

Students share their experiences adjusting to a new country and seeking safety at school

By Keithav Sivashanker

For many students, starting high school can be overwhelming, but for immigrant students, the challenge often goes far beyond classes and homework. For them, it’s about trying to belong in a new culture. At AHS, students and staff work together to make sure that immigrant students feel supported, safe, and heard.

Mr. Stallworth, a counselor, said that immigrant students often face unique challenges as they transition into a new environment. “School counselors often get concerns for students, especially immigrant students, when it comes to readjusting from their home country,” he said. “They’re learning a whole new culture, a whole new set of rules and processes. Sometimes that increases their anxiety.”

One major challenge he highlighted is the language barrier. “Someone from Japan, someone from Montenegro, someone from India, and someone from Russia…it’s very difficult to translate [English] into your home language or your mother language,” he said. “It can make them feel isolated unless they find someone from a similar background.” Still, he believes Fremont’s growing diversity is helping. “Ms. Marya Zaki, who is a Wellness Center coach, shares the same cultural background as many students here, and that has been very helpful for this school because we’re trying to find ways to really support different students.” As a Wellness Center coach, she can relate to many students on a personal level, which makes her important to the overall success of this school.

Immigrant student Rishventh Ramoshan (11), who moved from Sri Lanka a few years ago, said that his experience has been mostly positive. “Honestly, I felt pretty welcomed when I came here,” he said. “The Bay Area is a melting pot. There are people from everywhere.” 

Although he feels safe at school, national debates about immigration still concern him. “I’m not a U.S. citizen, and I do get a little scared sometimes,” he said. “With everything going on, immigration laws, ICE, and politics, it’s hard not to worry.”

The Eagle Era obtained a communication from the district to principals which said, “AB 49 prohibits admission of officers conducting immigration enforcement to non-public areas without a judicial warrant, judicial subpoena, or court order.” The law also “requires school personnel to request a valid ID” and forbids the sharing of any student information. FUSD mentioned, “The superintendent or designee shall not disclose student records…without parental consent, a court order, or judicial subpoena.” If officers proceed without permission, staff should “not try to physically prevent them.” Instead, they should document the action and call the Superintendent’s Office or Fremont Police. If any student doesn’t come to school due to fear of ICE, those absences are marked as unexcused.

Both staff and students agree that inclusion starts with empathy. As Mr. Stallworth put it, “There’s always another adult whom we can help connect you with to be able to seek out support.”