Learning the language: Venezuelan-born student ‘incredibly determined’
Manteca High junior Alvaro Castro (center) focuses on a lesson during English class on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. English is Castro’s second language. When he arrived in the U.S. in 2021, he didn’t know how to speak English. (Moises Ramos/The Tower)
By BRYAN JIMENEZ
The Tower
Having come to the United States at the age of 14 years old, Manteca High junior Alvaro Castro faced many adversities, leaving behind cherished possessions in Venezuela, including his extended family, friends and most importantly his beloved PlayStation 4.
He first arrived in San Diego and later came to Manteca, enrolling at Manteca High as a freshman. He realized how different the United States was compared to Venezuela; most notably how different the weather is.
Castro overcame the language barrier, having come to the U.S purely speaking Spanish. He picked up on the English language relatively quickly within the first year of being in the United States. He communicated with a lot of people which helped strengthen his vocabulary. He enrolled in multiple English classes, and ELD classes in which he improved rapidly with the help of his teachers.
“Alvaro Castro is just an incredibly determined student. From the moment he entered my classroom, he took interest in every single lesson, and he was really adamant to describe his cultural experiences, his moving to the country, and the things that drive him like sports, but ultimately, he was just trying to achieve everything he could possibly achieve when he was in my room,” said Eli Gibbs, his English Language Development instructor at Manteca High School
He had played sports at an early age, starting with karate. Until his sensei left and moved countries. He quit and pursued something else – soccer.
As he went into a new high school, he found comfort in soccer, having played it for a year in Venezuela.
He started playing Soccer at Manteca High School, where he earned his own varsity spot this season. He found success in the sport and has goals to go pro in the future.
The Tower caught up with Alvaro Castro to discuss the difficulties that arise when one moves countries and how he found success in soccer.
The Tower: What was the most difficult part about leaving Venezuela?
Alvaro Castro: The most difficult part was leaving my family and friends behind, (and) leaving most of my stuff behind, especially my PlayStation 4.
TT: What was it like when you first arrived in the United States?
AC: When I first arrived in the United States, it was cool. I was in San Diego; I met a lot of people and a lot of my friends.
TT: How different was United States compared to Venezuela?
AC: An important change would be the weather. An example here is the low temperatures during the winter while in Venezuela it usually reaches temperatures of around 80 degrees.
TT: Was it difficult to pick up a new language?
AC: Yes. For my first week of being in the United States, it was awkward being in class while everybody spoke English and I spoke Spanish. I couldn’t understand what they were saying.
TT: What inspired you to play soccer?
AC: I was not thinking of playing soccer. I used to play karate and would win many tournaments. I had my own proper signature move, but my sensei moved countries and I stopped playing it. I decided to try a new sport and I decided to pick soccer.
TT: How old were you when you started playing and where?
AC: I started playing soccer when I was about 12 to 13 years old. I played soccer in Venezuela. The coaches were nice and taught me how to play. I didn’t even know how to kick a ball nor juggle, but I was disciplined.
TT: What have been your accomplishments for soccer or what are your future goals?
AC: Plans for soccer? I only have one plan for soccer, and it’s to go pro in the sport. I want to try and play D1, D2, MLS or USL. Trying to be at the next level.
TT: Do you plan on playing soccer in college? If so, where?
AC: I think, (wherever) the universe wants me to play.