Students adapt to a new life and language

For many Hispanics, making the transition to a new country can be challenging for the whole family. Especially for the younger kids, who are expected to learn the basics in a new language. The Moran sisters came to the U.S. from Honduras four years ago, and while they have gradually learned the language they say it was very hard for them to adapt. 13-year-old Luatany Moran said "I didnt feel good because I went to school and I didnt know English and I couldnt talk to the American people." 11-year-old Juliet Moran said "because I didn`t know any English and I didn`t have any friends. Like many kids from immigrant parents, the Moran sisters were the first to learn to speak English in their family. Their mother Yanira Calderon says learning how to help the girls was also something she had to learn. She said in Spanish during parent teacher conferences my daughter has to translate, but it would be easier to speak directly with the teacher. She has four kids, and says all of them will be attending school by next year. Before coming to St. Joe they lived in Nebraska and now her kids have to adjust to a new city. She said, "my daughters say it`s hard to adapt because they don`t have any Hispanic friends." But as more and more Hispanics move into the area the Moran sisters say they have already made friends with other kids who share a similar story.