My name is Nozimabonu Marifjonova, and I am a senior at the Sport and Medical Sciences Academy. My journey in the U.S. began on November 2nd, 2017. That day marked the start of a new chapter in my life. In six months, I learned English and became the translator for my family. By age 11, I was proficient in Russian, Uzbek, and English, translating documents, managing bills, and scheduling appointments. I went wherever they went, sometimes spending hours translating complex medical and legal terms. Along the way, my family also faced discrimination. I vividly remember when my father was denied service at a hospital simply because of his limited English. At just 13 years old, I had to stand up for him in that moment, which left a lasting impact on me. That experience inspired me to promise myself that I would always help others struggling with the language barrier, no matter their background. I believe that sometimes, a little patience and understanding can make all the difference. This is why I chose to volunteer at Siena Learning Center. The center played a crucial role in helping my parents improve their English, and because of their support, my family is now able to navigate life in the U.S. with more confidence. Volunteering there has been a way for me to give back to the community that helped my family, and it brings me great joy to assist others on their journey to language proficiency.
