John Paul Buha joined the Sierra School of Alhambra to bring his rich background in Chinese literature and a master’s in education from California State University to support a Mandarin-speaking student. Little did he know that this role would become much more than a job – it would be a life-changing experience, for both him and the student.
David, a 10-year-old Chinese native diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay and hyperactivity, immigrated to the United States in 2022 with his parents. The move to America was spurred by the family’s desire to ensure their son received the best education and support possible. David had a challenging start in American schools. He was struggling to adjust, often acting out and remaining distant from his peers. Plus, David spoke only Mandarin, leaving him isolated and frustrated in an environment where language barriers hindered his ability to connect and learn. That’s when Buha stepped in.
Born in Taiwan and brought to the U.S. as a child, Buha recalls his own experiences of being unable to speak English. Like David, he struggled to find his footing in a new culture. Buha remembers immersing himself in English through Disney movies, using them as a bridge to learn the language and make friends. This
empathy and understanding helped him connect with David on a deeper level, as he knew firsthand the unique challenges of being a young immigrant in an unfamiliar setting.
Buha’s role as David’s one-on-one aide has transformed both of their lives. Buha gained David’s trust and has helped him make incredible strides in both behavior and academics. Working closely with the school’s behavioral counselors and specialists, Buha has fostered an environment of safety and consistency for David. Over time, David’s behavior improved, replaced by a calmness that allowed him to focus and participate actively in his learning.
David’s father, Feng, says his son has made remarkable improvements since starting at Sierra.
“In his previous school, he was super active and was always running around. He was not able to quiet down and learn like his peers,” said Feng. “But at Sierra, with John’s support, he is now able to sit through classes, engage with teachers, and even complete homework independently – something that once seemed impossible.”
One of the most touching moments came when David’s family invited Buha to dinner, a gesture of gratitude for the difference he’s made in their son’s life. It’s no wonder that Buha says his role at Sierra doesn’t feel like work.
“Watching David write assignments on his own, improve in math, and even pick up new English vocabulary brings me a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to describe,” said Buha.
David’s journey at Sierra School has had a ripple effect on his classmates as well. While David is one of the few Mandarin students, and the only one not fluent in English, his peers have shown curiosity about his culture and language, with Buha helping facilitate these connections.
‘I have high hopes that David will master English one day and become a contributing member of society in the future,” said Feng.
While David still faces challenges, Buha sees endless potential. He believes in giving every student the chance to integrate into regular education, especially when they show consistent improvement.
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