The English Language Development (ELD) program at Monmouth-Roseville High School is not just a class—it’s a lifeline for multilingual students navigating new cultures, languages, and academic challenges. Led by passionate educators like Nick Dilley, the program has become a cornerstone of support for students like Esmeralda Maciel Marte and Yasmin Mora Ruiz, who exemplify resilience and ambition.

Nick Dilley, the High School’s lead ELD teacher, has dedicated seven years to building a program that fosters biliteracy and cultural pride. “Our goal is to support students in mastering English while honoring their native languages and traditions,” Dilley explains. With more than 25 languages spoken in the district, the program is tailored to address a variety of linguistic and cultural needs.

For Esmeralda, a senior originally from the Dominican Republic, the ELD program has been transformative. Having arrived in the U.S. during middle school, Esmeralda describes the initial adjustment as overwhelming. “I had to leave behind everything I knew—friends, family, my routines—and start over,” she says. Yet, through the program, she found a space to rebuild her confidence and thrive.

In addition to her own success, Esmeralda has taken on the role of occasional interpreter for other students, including Yasmin, a sophomore who came to Monmouth-Roseville from Mexico in seventh grade. During our discussion, Yasmin spoke mostly in Spanish, describing her experience in the program:

“Cuando llegué, me sentía muy sola. Todo era diferente: los estudiantes, las clases, los maestros,” Yasmin shared, her voice steady. Esmeralda stepped in to interpret, her tone warm and clear: “She says, ‘When I arrived, I felt very alone. Everything was different—the students, the classes, the teachers.’” Yasmin nodded and added in English, “But now, I feel part of something special.”

Moments like these highlight the collaborative and deeply compassionate nature of the program, where students not only learn but also lift one another up. “It’s rewarding to support others. I know how hard it can be,” Esmeralda says of her role as a mentor.

Yasmin’s remarkable academic journey is a testament to the program’s impact. Despite her initial struggles with English, she has advanced into higher-level courses, including pre-calculus. “It’s challenging but exciting. I want to prove to myself that I can succeed,” Yasmin shares. Dilley highlights her achievement as a milestone for the program. “When I first started here, students rarely accessed advanced classes. Yasmin is breaking those barriers, proving what’s possible.”

The ELD program’s focus extends beyond language acquisition. Students receive tailored instruction that bridges academic gaps while integrating them into mainstream classes and extracurriculars. “Our students aren’t just learning English—they’re decoding complex subjects like geometry and biology in their second language,” Dilley says. The program also encourages peer mentorship, where advanced students like Esmeralda serve as role models for newer arrivals. “It’s about building a community where everyone helps each other,” Dilley adds.

Central to the program’s philosophy is the acknowledgment of students’ diverse backgrounds and experiences. “Many of our students have faced significant challenges before arriving here,” Dilley explains. “Whether it’s trauma or the simple difficulty of adjusting to a new country, their perseverance is incredible.” To foster inclusivity, the school incorporates multicultural elements into events like dances and announcements, ensuring all students feel represented.

Career and Community Service, a unique aspect of the program, allows students to gain real-world experience through volunteer work or school-based roles. Yasmin, for example, works as a teaching assistant in the beginner-level ELD class. “She helps bridge the gap by explaining lessons in Spanish when needed,” Dilley says. “Her ability to connect with students has been invaluable.”

For Esmeralda, the future holds dreams of becoming a pediatrician or pediatric nurse. “I love working with children and helping people,” she says. Yasmin envisions a career in law, motivated by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Both students credit the ELD program with giving them the tools to pursue these ambitions.

The ELD program at Monmouth-Roseville is more than an educational initiative—it’s a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and belief in every student’s potential. As Esmeralda and Yasmin prepare to graduate and embark on their next journeys, their stories stand as a reminder of the transformative impact of an inclusive and supportive learning environment. I leave the table a little more convinced of the power and decency of the human spirit.