A Dream Called Home

At the start of a new school year, Reyna teaches sixth-grade ESL. Most of the children are from Mexico and Central America. Many are undocumented, but they are bright and easier to manage than the eighth graders she previously taught. Reyna assumes the role of the patient, loving teacher who understands that their needs extend beyond learning English. Her female students squeal with excitement when they realize she is pregnant. Reyna worries about setting a bad example by having a child out of wedlock, but she hopes she can model responsibility. Many students spend their lunch hours in the classroom to escape bullying. Some even join her folklórico group after school, bolstering Reyna’s confidence in her teaching skills.

Reyna buys a house through a program offering foreclosed properties to teachers at half the market price. The house is located in South Central, a poverty-stricken, high-crime neighborhood. Reyna plans to live in the house for three years, sell it at market value, and move to a better place. Three weeks before her due date, Reyna calls the police to evict squatters from her house. The property is in abominable condition. In addition, it is on a busy street under a flight path to LAX.