The Gift of Bilingualism

There are many benefits to learning a new language at a young age, and ones that would change lives and the way we interact with other people around the world. The chance to begin developing a second language skill from childhood would be in everybody’s best interest.

In the United States, schools begin to offer World Language classes in middle school, but primarily high school. At Manhattan High School, they offer several levels of Spanish, French and German. However, not every student chooses to take another language. American school systems should require the learning of another language from a younger age because kids’ brains are still developing, making it easier for them to learn. Several places, such as Europe and South American countries, have been learning another language since elementary school.

The familiarity with other languages provides a with the advantage of communicating with more people. When traveling, one can immerse themselves in the culture. Allowing you to talk to all kinds of people.

Bilingualism is advantageous when applying for potential job or scholarship opportunities as well. Having the ability to communicate in more than one language can earn a higher salary.

Learning a new language is going to open up doors to places you never knew existed. In this day and age, attention spans are becoming shorter and shorter. The key is to take the time and have the patience; dedication is essential. Anybody can learn a language if they put their mind to it.

About the Contributors

Isabela Villoria, Staff Writer

Sophomore Isabela Villoria is a staff writer for the Mentor. She is just joining 21st Century Journalism this year. Villoria thought journalism would be a good way to improve some of her skills in life. “I thought it’d be a good way to meet new people and improve my writing skills,” Villoria said. Villoria has been interested in sports such as swimming; she has had a passion for swimming which encouraged her to maybe join the swim team this upcoming spring season. “I started swim lessons at CiCo public pool when I was little,” Villoria said. Villoria is interested in multiple of the clubs offered to students at Manhattan High school. She is currently involved in Key Club, SADD, and German Club. Villoria’s very interested in subjects such as Anatomy and AP Euro. She’s thought about joining an AP/Advanced Anatomy class if the school provided one, but has settled for the normal class. “If there was an Advanced or AP anatomy class, I’d immediately sign up, since I feel like it’d be a good opportunity,” Villoria said.

Hunter Flagg, Online EIC

Hunter Flagg is a freshman staff writer who joined journalism this year after moving from New York, not too far from the city. If Flagg can find the time outside of class, he likes to be with friends as he likes people in general. “I like writing and videography and stuff like that,” Flagg said. “Haven’t been able to do that because of school.” Flagg joined journalism with hopes of creating entertaining articles and having fun. “I like all aspects of journalism, mainly videography,” Flagg said. “It allows me to bask in a job well done.” Flagg also has hopes of changing the yearbook for the better. Flagg believes the yearbook can get a bit cringy at times and he wants to stop that from happening. “I thought the yearbook sounded cool to me,” he said. Flagg wants to be a sports correspondent to write more entertaining life filled articles. “No offense to people in politics, but I don’t feel like the students care about it that much,” Flagg said. “I want to write about sports, current events and things that have an impact on student’s lives.” After high school, Flagg wants to join the military with no interest in continuing Journalism. Flagg says to anyone wanting to join journalism to “do it.” By Thurston Rogers Staff Writer

The Mentor

The Mentor

The Mentor

The Gift of Bilingualism

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