My Success Story as an Adult Learner
by Blanca Marin
Published October 3, 2006
My name is Blanca Marin. I have been in United States since 1991. When
I arrived I only spoke my native language, Spanish. Between 1991 and
1997 I continued speaking Spanish only, but at the end of 1997 I started
a new job where they required me to speak English. I was in charge of
the cafeteria at an elementary school. I remember that at the time my
English was so poor, that when the students asked me for a spoon, fork,
napkin, plate, etc… I had difficulty understanding what they needed.
After few weeks I started to comprehend a little English, but it was
not enough to allow me to communicate with my supervisor. Despite this,
I was happy because, “Oh!” I could help the students when
they asked me for things, and that was enough for me at that time. After
seven years of working hard at the same school, I started to feel disappointed
because most times when I asked for a raise I was denied, so I started
looking for an adult school where I could learn English.
I found what I was looking for in the ESL classes
offered at the Harris County Department of Education’s Irvington
Learning Center. I have been here since September of 2005. I started
ESL Level Four. At first I thought that English was too hard for
me, but after few weeks I discovered that if I listened and paid careful
attention to my teacher I could learn. Being here at the Irvington Learning
Center is such a valuable opportunity for me. After only a few months,
I was already feeling very proud of myself.
Let me tell you something that happened a few days ago, when I had
an important interview where advanced English skills were required in
order to pass the interview. Imagine my surprise when I completed the
interview by myself without an interpreter. It was fantastic! Now wherever
I go if I need to speak in English I feel happy because I have the freedom
to speak in English. It is unbelievable how much I can help my children
with their homework. My life is easier than before I came to this Learning
Center. Harris County Department of Education is helping me to realize
my dreams by having professional and patient teachers who work with me
to learn. I know with these efforts, combined with my own desires that
my life will be successful!
After finishing with this level I would like to continue my classes.
It will not be easy for me because I am mother of three beautiful children
who require much attention because they are so little. My education is
important to their future and so I pay a babysitter for my three year
old so I can go to school. No matter how difficult it will be for me
to continue my education, my whole body feels hungry, real hungry to
learn more each day. That is my dream! Yes, it’s true, sometime
I feel my body is tired because I have a lot of responsibilities each
day. But when I see two of my children get up and go to school, I get
renewed energy to continue keep going to my classes too.
Let me tell you something else that is special. My children help me
develop my English reading and writing skills. They let me read to them
and then they help me with pronunciation and with spelling words. It
is something beautiful for me to learn together with my children. They
see my English develop and they are proud of me because it wasn’t
that long ago that it was impossible for me to speak English with them,
but now we have experienced something new together…a conversation
in English! I can even go to their school and speak English with their
teachers.
To be prepared for the future an immigrant needs to learn English.
English is the first language in United States. I feel it is very important
for me to be able to speak, read, and write English in this big country
to have better opportunities, like finding a good job. An immigrant who
has a degree and speaks English has more opportunities to work and earn
a better salary than someone who isn’t bilingual. Without English
an immigrant will not reach his or her goals. With English and Spanish
plus education and training, the possibilities are great! I think that
professionals have the best opportunities in the world. And obviously
they have better salaries and better benefits. That is why each day I
strive to reach my goal. My goal is to achieve good communication in
English and get my GED,
and be a bilingual professional. Soon I will get my GED certificate
and will show my family that it is never too late to learn! I will live
by example in my children’s lives!
My dream is to be a GED graduate and after that work as a bi-lingual
teacher’s aide with Pre-K children, “Oh, I love them!” Someday
I want to continue my education at Houston Community College. I believe
in myself and know that one day I will be a professional in United States.
May 3, 2006
Blanca Marin, ESL learner who transitioned to ABE
Instructor: Barbara Phillips, Irvington Learning Center
Harris County Department of Education, Adult Education Division
Houston, Texas
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