This is the final draft of the Language and Literacy Narrative edited with multimedia. It is a speech about my journey in education, and we can unlock our future through Language and education.

Unlocking Our Future Through Language and Education

My educational journey began when I was only 4 years old, in 2010, in Rwanda. I studied in a public school where education was not standardized as it is today. In primary four, I began learning English, but I couldn’t speak it well. I excelled in other subjects, such as science, but English was my greatest challenge.

Step by step, I worked hard. I passed my primary national exam, then my O-level exam, and later studied sciences at A-level in high school. My dream was clear: I wanted to study medicine and later help my family and my country to develop. Because I wasn’t expecting to be in a country like the USA studying in college, at a place like the City College of New York. But now I am here.

However, I realized something important: without English skills, it was impossible to achieve that dream of being a doctor. Then in high school, I joined the debating club. At first, I was scared to speak because I thought my friends would laugh at me and mock me if I made mistakes. My first day of practice at that club was terrible. There were talented students with strong English fluency who shared the best ideas about all arguments in practice and spoke at a high speed. It was my first time speaking  English at a high speed, especially in a group of intelligent people. In my first speech, I mixed up sentence tenses.

Additionally, we had a challenging practice schedule. I tried to speak as much as I could and took every opportunity at school to practice speaking English, such as class presentations and discussions. I also pushed myself to engage in many other English-related groups. I gave speeches, I practiced, and slowly I improved. By the end of high school, I was even recognized as the best speaker in my class. At that time, I found that practice makes perfect.

By drawing on experience from the debating club, I started to improve my academic performance and speak with confidence. I met with genuine friends there who shaped me into the person that I am today. In one way or another, it helped to overcome my fear and live life with purpose. After graduating from high school, I needed to apply to a university, and I required an English proficiency certificate. If I hadn’t joined a debating club, I wouldn’t have gotten that certificate. 

By God, I am here at The City College of New York, which is a significant achievement, but also a big challenge. I am still struggling with English and with the new study system here at CCNY, yet I know that struggle is part of growth.

As I draw to a close, I want to share this with you. Peter Drucker once said, “ The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said.” For me, this means that Language and Literacy Narrative is not only about learning English words, but also about learning how to understand others, express ourselves clearly, and shape our future through education.

That is why I take this class of Freshman Composition more than just another class. It is a chance for us to build confidence, improve our writing and speaking skills, and open the doors to every opportunity that will come during and after college. And to my classmates who may also be struggling with English fluency like me, I want you to know that you are not alone. I know how hard it feels, but every step you take in this class brings you closer to success. Together, we can use Language and Literacy as a powerful tool to create a more successful future for ourselves, our families, and even our countries.

But before I truly end, let me leave you with this from my heart. Each of us in this room has a story. Some of us come from families with many challenges, some of us grew up with fewer resources, and many of us are still trying to discover our expression in this new system of study. For me, that struggle has always been with English fluency. Others here may feel the same. Sometimes, you may sit in class and feel nervous to speak, afraid of making mistakes, or worried that your English is not good enough. I understand that feeling very well.

That is why the Language and Literacy Narrative is not just another subject. It is a key to unlocking who we are and what we can become. When we learn to read with understanding, to write with clarity, and to speak with confidence, we’re not just passing a class. We’re building the skills that will guide us through every part of our future in school, work, and life.

So, my classmates, don’t be discouraged by the difficulty of English. Don’t measure yourself only by your struggles, but also by your progress. This class is not just about grammar and essays; it is about developing our identity and preparing for greater opportunities ahead. Let us push each other forward, help one another, and use this class as the foundation for a more radiant tomorrow. Because if we master this, there is no dream too high, no goal too far, and no future out of reach.

Thank you.