Student Question
What does Elena aspire to become in her future?
Quick answer:
Elena aspires to become a teacher when she grows up. Despite facing challenges after moving from Puerto Rico to Paterson, New Jersey, such as not being allowed to take advanced classes due to language barriers, she remains focused on her future. Her ambition to attend college and pursue teaching reflects her determination to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams.
In "American History" by Judith Ortiz Cofer, Elena wants to be a teacher when she grows up.
Having to move from Puerto Rico to America with her family was somewhat traumatic for Elena. The city of Paterson, New Jersey isn't kind to her. Her nickname at school is Skinny Bones, she isn't allowed to take advanced classes even though she has good grades because her first language isn't English, and she dreams of Puerto Rico and what life would be like there. The other people from Puerto Rico who live in her building often speak of going back to Puerto Rico to retire.
When she daydreams about her past and future, Elena thinks that "As for me, I was going to go to college and become a teacher." She is always focused on the future until she falls for Eugene and makes a connection with him. That's the first time she says her thoughts move from the future to the present.
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