The best student in a high school from Texas reveals her secret

Listen to Larissa Martinez (first three minutes of the video without subtitles) and answer the following questions: (Then watch the rest of the video with subtitles)

At the beginning of her speech, Larissa (valedictorian) says it is going to be about........

Where is Larissa from? When did she arrive in Texas?

Unexpected reality Number 1 - ........ What was her dream? Did she think moving to America would be very hard?

Unexpected reality Number 2- ....... Why did she have to raise her sister Andrea? What things didn’t she have at home?

She says: "I know what it’s like to be......., to have....., to feel .......

Unexpected reality Number 3 - .............

KEY

At the beginning of her speech, Larissa says it is going to be about expectations versus reality.

Where is Larissa from? Mexico City When did she arrive in Texas? Six years ago

Unexpected reality Number 1 - At the age of eleven Larissa was a child with an abusive and alcoholic father who had to depend on her mother’s strength.

What was her dream? To be come an American Did she think moving to America would be very hard? No, she thought it would be the solution to all of the problems in her life.

Unexpected reality Number 2- At the age of twelve she had to embrace a new culture and her intelligence was questioned due to her backgrouds.

Why did she have to raise her sister Andrea? Because her mum worked until very late at night.

What things didn’t she have at home? Internet, a washing machine, her own bed.

She says: "I know what it’s like to be put down, to have your accomplishments unacknowledged, to feel powerless.

Unexpected reality Number 3 - I am one of the eleven million undocumented immigrants living in the shadows of the United States.