Response to Melanie

I was a student of an educator that neglected my differences. When I had started Kindergarden I did not know how to speak any English. My parents spoke Bangla to me at home, and when I started school, I didn't know how to communicate with my teacher. My classmates all spoke English, and were predominantly white. I didn't know what my teacher was saying to me, but, I understood her body language, tone of voice and facial expression. She was extremely frustrated with me and in turn, neglected me. She just avoided teaching me, and sent me to the ESL office when I didn't understand anything. The ESL office only knew how to deal with students that spoke Spanish and not Bangla. I didn't want to go to school. I used to feign illness, because I felt like an outsider, and because my teacher was so mean, I didn't want to be in her presence.
Being an educator now, I try my hardest to include my students' differences, and not shun them because of it. I know that it was a troubling time for me until I did learn English. But because I felt unwanted, and that I was a nuisance, I didn't want to go to school. I am sure that this does not change for many other students at whatever age they are. The feeling of being put down for my differences was enough for me to want to give up.