Commentary

The story of Ramona, a courageous & intent Mexican woman aged 33, who walked from her native mountain village to Tex. She married a Puerto Rican who encouraged her to learn English. She enrolled in an English as a second language class, among literate people from Chile, Sweden, Libya, & the Philippine Islands. It was discovered, from her quiet sobbing the first night, that she could neither read, write, nor speak English. The cooperation of the sympathetic class was requested, & a portion of time was devoted each night to basics. Two children of one of the members helped, acting as encouraging aides. When the class ended, Ramona & some of her relatives & friends met for mutual learning. Texts were the workbooks used in New York's bilingual classes - functional vocabulary for daily living. Progress was made up to the fourth-grade level in McGuffy readers. She diligently watched Sesame Street, a children's program that teaches the sounds of letters, variations, & conversations. Social occasions like a Puerto Rican wedding & native potluck suppers were shared. The best present from Ramona was a Christmas letter done in her own hand. It is concluded that caring, mutual help, & persistence will be rewarded with success & friendship. Modified AA