Jarin's Peer Profile of Kate

      Kate  is from Georgia, not the state, but the country. Georgia is a small country in between Russia and Turkey or in the Caucasus region at the border of Europe and Asia. Kate speaks Georgian, her first language, and a little Russian and English. She moved to the U.S. searching  for better opportunities and education. When she came, she started high school as a freshman.

      The transition from Georgia to the United States and studying here was difficult for Kate. She had a rough time understanding English from her native tongue, and adjusting to the social life. Back in Georgia, she was a very outgoing person. She didn’t have trouble interacting with others, but coming to the United States made her shy. She believed that people would judge her because of her imperfect English so she gave up on making conversation.

      Instead of trying to communicate, she started reading more books. In Georgia she didn’t read many books, but after coming to the U.S., she read more often. Her love for books grew. Rather than going to the cafeteria for lunch, she went to the school library to catch up on her reading. When she first started reading the English language, she mentioned how confusing it was. Gradually, she started to understand and that helped her improve her English. Her favorite genre is fiction because it intrigues her. Kate feels comfortable reading printed books contrary to them as an e-book. The feeling of actually turning the pages is very soothing to her. She acknowledges her favorite book as "The Graceling" by Kristin Cashore. Kate considers this book to be an all time favorite. Firstly, she admires the protagonist, Lady Katsa, because of the character’s strong personality, and determination of staying alive. Secondly, since she can relate to the main character's struggles. She believes that both of them have gone through obstacles and hardships. Kate’s affection towards reading has brought her to improve her English, and provoked a desire for writing.

      Kate wants to begin writing her own stories. Whenever a plot idea pops up in her mind, she quickly writes it down somewhere. Kate says she started to write a fictional story, but couldn't finish it. I asked how it was going so far and she replied, "Not good, I gave up on it. I was like, I'm not doing this.” Her motivation diminished due to not knowing how to put her ideas together. In Georgia, Kate only learned a few words in English. Kate said, “When I wrote in Georgian, I Romanized the language.” For the last four years, Kate has been writing in English instead of Georgian. She’s trying to get used to the English language.

      By Kate’s senior year of high school, Kate’s English had greatly improved and she overcame her bashfulness. That year, she was assigned to do a group project with some classmates. She noticed how they didn’t approach the project nor speak up. Kate had to individually go to the others’ table to get them to work. She felt that she did most of the project because the others didn’t want to present or participate. She saw herself in her group members. She then realized she had changed from that introvert person she was freshman year. She had now found the “Georgian Kate” she once was.

      The normal family expectations had left Kate with the only option of going to College. Kate is now attending City College of New York for her undergrad. She was uncertain about what she would study in college. At first her interest was toward Political Science but that eventually faded into skepticism. With that being said she was undecided. She desires to learn what she is intrigued by most. However, Kate doesn't know what that is yet. In 4 years, after completing her BA, she envisions herself going for a graduate degree and in the meantime having a  job that associates with her degree. Kate basically sees herself studying and working side by side. If you look at Kate now, she does not have anything in common with the girl she was when she first came to the United States. Today, she is like the girl she used to be back in Georgia. She is very cheerful and friendly. You can always witness a smile on her face. Hopefully, Kate  Tsankashvili earns what she came to achieve, the “American Dream”.

 

Kate (right) with her friend (left).