ABSTRACT
Blessing arrived in the U.S. after the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti. In Haiti, she attended a private school and had an English tutor. Blessing’s plan was to complete school in Haiti and then apply to a college in the U.S. The earthquake did not physically injure her; however, she has suffered emotionally. It was during the transition to school in the U.S. that Blessing had to negotiate her new identities – Black, immigrant, and English learner (EL). As a high schooler, she struggles academically and emotionally. Her course schedule includes ESL and content courses. American History II is especially challenging. Her history teacher often says, “You should have learned this last year in American History I.” Blessing gets discouraged since school was easier for her in Haiti. A devastating natural disaster has had long-term effects on Blessing’s life.
