Marcel at New Orlean recording studio, Warsaw.

New Country, New Language, New School Challenge Fourth Grader

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Moving to a place to live can be significantly different than having visited that same place for vacations – something 10-year-old Marcel has experienced recently when he moved from Poland to Texas just six months ago.

Now a fourth grader in his second semester in Texas Tech Elementary School, Marcel is learning to manage not only a new school, but a new language in an entirely new country, one much different from his native land.

Marcel was 3 ½ when he came to Texas for vacations for the first time, but he doesn't remember much from such a young age.

“We have close family here. My grandma's sister and her husband live here,” Marcel said. “I was 6 when I came here again. I enjoyed my time here; I remember that I just didn't want to leave the swimming pool. Now, I live here.”

Marcel says everything in the U.S. is new to him, and that initially it was really challenging, “especially, learning English from scratch.” He recalls his mother, Anna, saying, “One step at the time,” and he admits it was really helpful.

As difficult as it is for a 10-year-old, it's not a lot easier for an adult. Anna has had some adjusting to do as well.

“Each day is bringing something new,” she said. “I have been coming here for the last 20 years, so I was familiar with the place. However, working and living here is something different. There is a quote: ‘Don't be afraid to start over. This time you're not starting from the scratch, you are starting from experience,' and this is so true. I didn't know what to expect. However, I felt I wanted to do it despite the fear, and try something new. I wanted to follow my heart.”

Like many TTU K-12 students, Marcel says he likes the flexibility of the program the most. Along with Anna, he manages his own calendar, and he can focus on developing skills in a way that works for him.

“I know what to do, however the ability to decide when I want to do it is really great. Sometimes when a topic is really interesting to me, I can spend some extra time exploring and I don't have to worry about time. When I was going to a regular school in Poland, I didn't have this opportunity. Now, I am more relaxed and have more time for my hobbies. I also have time to do the research on the things I would like to develop even more.”

Marcel enjoys his home swimming pool.

Marcel also mentions some advantages to not being in a traditional classroom.

“I don't have to be stressed anymore because of being at the blackboard in front of the entire class,” he said. “I can still practice public speaking, but without any pressure. Also, as I am still learning English it is a very good way to focus on how to better speak English, because I have time to practice in a comfortable way and practice with my friends.”

Now that both Anna and Marcel are a little more settled into their new life, they are both focused on Marcel's success and learning.

“I feel like my son is now really happy and smiling a lot again,” Anna said. “He is different. His teachers and advisor were so helpful. They actually handled so many questions from my side. They always had a plan B and recommendations ready for us. Changing school might be challenging, but changing country and school at the same time was really stressful at the beginning.”

Anna also appreciates the self-learning and general approach of the Texas Tech Elementary program.

“I think it's extremely important to teach our children, that of course the results are important, but teaching them approach, and how they can do certain things is even more important. No matter what you are doing, try, and try and try it again. Focus on this, engage 100%, do the research, look for any information you need and finish on time. It is also about their commitment, responsibilities and rules that we both agreed to follow.”

Lastly, Anna says Marcel is now willing to do all his assignments and homework with excitement and curiosity to learn something new every single day. Sometimes when she says they're done for the day, he is usually saying, “I want more!”

Like any other child, Marcel has his favorites, whether it's food, school activities or hobbies. He has been riding horses for the last two years, starting in Poland. Now, he is looking for a place to continue this hobby in Texas.

“I also like swimming, travelling and delicious food, especially seafood,” Marcel said. “I am a big LEGO fan. This is my biggest passion. The more complex LEGO sets, the better. I have three cats, and I do really love animals in general, not including bees and other flying insects.”

Marcel says there are many things he would like to do or try. He might pursue being a lawyer to help other people. He also likes making videos and using his voice, so that may be something he would like to focus on as well. Before moving to Texas, Anna surprised him by taking him to Warsaw to see her friends who own a recording studio.

Marcel spends time with one of his three cats.

“Joanna is a television and stage actress. Pawel is not only an actor, but also has one of the most recognizable voices in Poland,” Marcel explained. “He has been hosting a popular science program “Galileo” for almost 20 years. It was an immense pleasure to go to the studio. They showed me not only how the studio works, but how the specialists work on the voice and what they can do. Being able to hear my voice in different versions was a great experience. It was not only learning something new, but it was also a lot of fun!”

Marcel has very simple advice for families and students looking for a flexible school option.

“I fully recommend it. Go for it!”

Anna also supports her choice to enroll Marcel in TTU K-12.

“He is definitely more relaxed and full of energy again,” she said. “What is also important, is I can strengthen his passions and skills by encouraging him to do something for himself. He is not afraid of trying now. He is learning, so he knows that making mistakes is a part of the process. What I do really like in TTU K-12 is that school is really practical and helps children to understand how something is working. I remember when he was sitting at 10 p.m. and building electrical circuits, because he was so excited about the website provided to teach him how to do it and how everything works! All the materials are good quality and very diverse. He can read a book, but also watch a video or do any interactive assignment. Having a feature in a book where there is an option to read aloud is extremely helpful when you are learning a new language. Overall, my experience with TTU K-12 is amazing and definitely the best choice!”

Marcel rides Hanna at a riding stable in Poland.