Pamela Montano: English as My Second Language

Artist Statement

During these two years living in the United States, I never had the opportunity to express my emotions about how difficult it was for me to adjust to my new home. As an international student, adapting my customs, ideas and my language was not easy. 

English as My Second Language is a short stop motion video of almost three minutes inspired by the emotions and difficulties that I had to go through to improve my English.  

The video is an animation where the images and texts reflect my moments of sadness and happiness. They convey every moment I had to show myself and my family that I could achieve my goal and defy obstacles in this path.

The design of the video is simple but very meaningful to me because it is the proof of my effort, time and creativity. The animation use paper cut out puppets, letters, and personal objects like my books to represent myself and my experiences in learning English.  

For me, showing a challenge in my life through video is something that I never imagined doing, especially when it comes to certain emotions that are difficult to express in a single drawing or in words alone.  

This process of learning a language led me to understand that there are many things left to discover and to know about English. I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey and experience with the public and to bring forth the results of my hard work.

About the Project 

  • Title of Work: English as My Second Language
  • Medium: Stop Motion Animation 
  • Student's Name: Pamela Montano
  • Major: Digital Storytelling
  • Anticipated Graduation Date: December 2021
  • Hometown: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
  • Student's Mentor: Lynn Kim
  • Mentor's Department: School of Visual Studies
  • Art Project ID: 21VADS - 017

Comments

Gabriel Vicevic Barrios

Everything she does, she does with all her heart, can't believe she's shining as always, love her job definitely. I'm sure you're gonna go really far in life. 

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Alejandra Castedo

You're a strong ,brave women, you can do it all the things you like, miss u princess¡

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Lenny

This is a really beautiful work Pamela! You did an amazing motion animation presentation by showing your own experience in US! Once again, great job!! 

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Lenny

This is a really beautiful work, Pamela! You did an excellent motion animation presentation by showing your experience in US! Once again, great job! 

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victoria rucker

Great Job...Stand Strong... You can do anything you put your mind too.

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Benjamin H

Very interesting story and smooth stop motion animation. I knew that it requires a considerable amount of time and patiences to create this beutiful piece of art. Not easy to make. Good job Pamela. I am rooting for you. Love.

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Eleidys

Pamela. I am so proud of you. You are strong woman and you can do whatever you want. All of that show us the talent that you have. 

Good job. 

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Felix Mugisha

vote for pamela

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Ana Laura

Pamelita..me encantó tu video y las animaciones que le das, eres muy creativa. Yo igual poco a poco estoy aprendiendo el Inglés, tomaré como consejos tus experiencias.

Saludos desde Bolivia!! :)

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Sebastian Sanchez

Not everyone will experience what it is like coming to live in a foreign country, a different culture, different people, and see what the limitations and barriers are like, simply due to where you are from or what language you speak first. Knowing personally people who have made this journey to make a better life for themselves, I still can't imagine the challenges one would face, so it only speaks for your own fortitude and bravery to go to a world completely different from the one you have lived all your life in.

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Belen Alarcon

Muy buen video !!! Estoy muy orgullosa de todo lo que estas logrando en estados unidos y se que llegaras aun mas lejos!  Todo lo mejor para ti amiga 

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Ruben

Good job, keep killing it! :)

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Alexandra

You are the best, great job!!

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Manuel

Great video, clearly  transmits your message reflecting the expresed feelings. Very entertaining. Truly loved it !

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Evie Stone

Beautiful video! It's clear how much planning, thought, and time went into this video. It provides wonderful insight into what it's like to be an international student, which many students at Mizzou (and elsewhere) don't understand. Love this video!!

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Yukiko

Good job!! I enjoyed watching this video! I'm proud of you! I love your video. Wonderful! I sympathize how you feel. I guess you have so much confidence from your life experiences in the US. Stay strong!! I always appreciate your support!!

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Jim Spain

Your story represents a story of courage and resilience.  Thank you for sharing your story, your experience and your gift of storytelling.

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Lee Ann Garrison

Pamela,

Congratulations! You story is from the heart and so well portrayed.

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Kathia Dávila

Beautiful work Pamela, you did an amezing presentation, showing us through your own experience the challenges and growth people go through in a different country. Keep going like that Pame!!!

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Carol Frazier

well done. Best wishes on your graduation and your future endeavors.

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