by Carlvensky Samedy

In Oceanside High School, students are building towards the future. There are many programs to help students have a unique experience here at OHS. However, I’m going to focus on one club in particular – the ENL Ambassador Program. This unique club helps students from other countries who do not speak English as a first language. This program gives students an opportunity to talk to established OHS ENL students and seek guidance as they acclimate to life in Oceanside.

In my second year in Oceanside high school, I had the honor to participate in the ENL ambassador program where I had the chance to meet and help new students from other countries. My job as an ambassador is to welcome new students, walk them around OHS, and show them their classes. I talk to them about what they should do to thrive in Oceanside high school and show them around the OHS campus. In a certain way, I feel like I benefited from those interactions as well. I am attempting to learn Spanish independently and speaking with these new students has helped me with my Spanish as well (my native language is French). I try to make the new students feel welcome and respected because I remember how difficult it was for me to get used to a new school as an ENL student.

I was talking to Miss Caruso, who is in charge of the club, and I asked her some questions about the ENL Ambassador Program. I first asked Mrs. Caruso what the purpose of the ENL Ambassadors Club is. She responded, ‘’To recognize & celebrate the growth of our current ELL students, while creating new bonds and connections with our new entrant students.’’ I then asked what served as the inspiration for starting the ENL Ambassador program. Mrs. Caruso said, ‘’This club was created from the idea of 2 ELLs who graduated 2 years ago and wanted to help the newcomers more in the ways they wished they had been helped.’’ I asked her if  one needed to be an ENL student or be bilingual to participate in the program? She said that we need to be an ELL to be an ambassador but do not need to be an ELL to take part in our monthly community connections activities. 

As an ambassador for the English as a New Language (ENL) program, our group fosters a sense of student voice and empowerment through a student-centered approach, leadership opportunities, and an inclusive environment. We ensure that students’ voices are heard through regular feedback sessions and surveys, allowing them to share their thoughts and opinions. ENL ambassadors like myself take on leadership roles, developing essential skills and confidence to advocate for our peers. We also promote cultural exchange, language skills, and community building through event organization and peer-to-peer language support. By empowering students through education and mentorship, we create a supportive and inclusive environment where ENL students can thrive.