Sucess Stories

Why I Want to Learn English

by Gerardo L. Corral
Ysleta Community Learning Center, El Paso

My name is Gerardo Corral and I just turned 33 years old this past March. I was born in Durango, Mexico. I grew up there, so my first language was Spanish. When I was a student, I always showed very good math skills. I spent nearly all my studying in chemistry, math, and biology. However, I never paid to much attention to my English classes. I remember saying, “If I can read English that is enough.” Now I know that I was wrong. I am happily married to my wife and have a beautiful son who is 3 years old. Another new baby is arriving to our family by June. I love my family as much as I love to run. I have been a runner for several years already. I always say “running is part of me”. I have had the opportunity to participate in several marathons here in El Paso, Texas and Mexico. I hope one day I can have the opportunity to go run the “New York Marathon” and take my family.

A couple of years ago, my life changed a lot. Fortunately, I became a U.S. resident. Years back I used to come to the United States just as a visitor, and everything was okay because a lot of people are bilingual. But when I moved here and started to look for a job, the problems started. I thought, “You are in a big disadvantage when you are monolingual and the disadvantage is greater if you are a Spanish monolingual.” I felt so sad and then my mother-in-law told me about San Jacinto Adult Learning Center. I could not believe that ESL classes were free, and that there I could go to learn English. I currently work at YISD as a custodian at their central offices. I have been working at YISD since May 2007. I feel so proud of myself because in February 2008, I was recognized as the “Employee of the Month”. I was very surprised and very happy for that award. That achievement made me realize that I can go on and accomplish bigger goals.

“Success” is not a place, to succeed is a journey and I started that journey when I was recognized as the “Employee of the Month”. I hope I can get to the other end and reach success. Right now I am attending ESL classes at YCLC. My teacher’s name is Elizabeth Moya and I believe she is a very good teacher. I am sure that I can improve my English skills in her class, and then, I would like to enroll in the El Paso Community College. I know it is hard, and I need to work a lot, but the best of all is I have my wife’s and my family’s support. I listen to my classmates that they want to learn English to get a better job and then buy a new house or a new car. I agree, but my first reason is my kids to feel proud of me and see me as an example when they grow up.