Alisson Ramírez began his seventh grade at a new school in Aurora, Colorado, where all classes are in English. Despite his initial fear of rejection and difficulty in communicating, he gathered courage and moved forward. His mother, María Ángel Torres, recalls the dangerous journey they made from Venezuela to reach the United States on foot.
At school, linguistic and cultural barriers add to the challenges that Alisson and other recently arrived Latino immigrants face. The threats to kill Alisson and his little brother in the food truck that their family had in Venezuela pushed them to flee the country. Now, they struggle to adapt to a new school environment where they feel watched and judged.
Amidst tension and fears, Alisson and his newly arrived peers find some relief in a class called 'Education for Cultural and Linguistic Diversity.' Although attention is unequal and sometimes chaotic, teacher Wesdyk tries to create a welcoming environment where students can express themselves and learn in a safe setting.
Difficulties rise with rumors of bomb threats in schools and community concerns about the presence of immigrants in the area. Despite the efforts of school authorities to integrate newly arrived students, discriminatory attitudes and confrontations in the classroom persist. Some bilingual students feel challenged by changes in the pedagogical approach and attention to new immigrants.
Despite everything, Alisson maintains his determination to learn and adapt to his new life in Aurora. Through solidarity among his peers and support from some teachers, he manages to cope with daily challenges. Despite the uncertainty about his future and the barriers he faces, Alisson strives to find his place in a school environment as complex as it is inspiring.