Pioneer has seen a large increase of non-English speakers this year, with the 2024-25 school year marking the highest number of newcomers in recent memory. Among these students is Cristian Dominguez, a senior who is experiencing his first year in the United States. Dominguez’s journey to America began in May 2024 when he, along with his family—his mom, dad, and younger brother — moved here from Mexico. Their primary motivation was to seek a better future and to reunite with Cristian’s older brothers, who had already settled in the U.S.

“We came to have a better future and more opportunities,” Dominguez said, “and we also missed our older brothers, who moved to the U.S. a couple of years ago.” In Mexico, Dominguez had attended school from kindergarten through his junior year, so transitioning to an entirely new school system in a foreign country was a huge and challenging change. “Coming to a brand new school in a completely new country was very nerve racking for me,” he said. One of the biggest challenges Dominguez faced was the language barrier. Fluent in Spanish but with little to no knowledge of English, he found himself struggling to understand anything happening around him. “All of my classes were in English, and everyone spoke English. It was really hard to understand and comprehend everything,” Dominguez said.

Upon starting the school year, Dominguez was placed in an English language learners’ class which aims to support students who are learning English. In this class, he receives help with reading, writing, and sometimes speaking. “This class really helped me because it’s helping me understand everything better and communicate more effectively with others,” he said. Although the experience has been challenging, Dominguez said he feels grateful for the support he has received.

Dominguez’s younger brother, Juan Pablo, also joined the family in the U.S. when they moved. He arrived during the summer of 2024 and, like his brother, has also faced difficulties adjusting to a new country and school. “It was very hard for me, too, starting a new school,” Juan Pablo said. “But my brother and cousins have been really helpful and supportive.” Despite the challenges, both Cristian and Juan Pablo have found solace in their strong family bonds, which have made the transition easier.

While adjusting to life in the U.S. has been difficult for the Dominguez family, they have received a great deal of support.  “I really miss my friends and the great memories I created with them in Mexico,” Cristian said, reflecting on the hardships of leaving his home country. “Moving here was very scary, but me and my family are slowly starting to adapt. The school teachers, like Mrs. Macko, have definitely been very helpful.”

Cristian and Juan Pablo have also been taking their language learning into their own hands. The brothers often practice English together outside of school, texting each other in English or speaking it as much as they can to improve their understanding. “Me and my brother Juan try to practice our English so we can improve it by texting or practicing speaking it so we can better understand it,” Cristian said.
Although Cristian is currently considering staying in the U.S., he has plans to eventually return to Mexico. “As pretty as the United States is, I definitely want to go back to Mexico in a couple of years. It’s my home country, and it’s where I grew up,” he said. Despite the challenges he has faced, Cristian has big dreams and goals he wants to achieve before he leaves. “I want to first be able to learn the language and really understand it. I also want to go to college after school or get a license for barbering or become a mechanic,” he said.

Cristian’s story reflects the experiences of many young people and families who leave their home countries in search of better opportunities and a brighter future. For many immigrants, the transition is difficult, but the desire for a better life keeps them moving forward. And as Cristian continues his journey in the U.S., his determination to learn, adapt, and pursue his dreams is testament to his resilience and hope for the future.