TEXAS Adult & Family Literacy QUARTERLY

Success Stories

It’s Never Too Late

by Silvestre Hernandez

My name is Silvestre Hernandez. I was born in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. I came to the United States in 1979. When I came to the U.S.A., I did not read or write in Spanish or English. I didn’t speak any English.

I thought I was too old to take a class and learn English, but then I decided, why not? I started ESL classes in 2008. The first paper I wrote in class, even I didn’t understand it. Now I feel good about my writing. My first goal is to learn to speak, read, and write English well. Second, I need to volunteer in my grandchildren’s school. Third, I need to talk with their teacher and learn more about their homework assignments.

Maybe I’ll be ready to help my grandchildren with their homework in a few months. After I start helping my grandchildren, I’m going to look for a good job.

About the Author

According to his teacher, Silvestre Hernandez never went to school as a child. He entered class at 62 years old. He is particularly proud of reading and writing in English as he has not had that experience in his first language! Silvestre is learning English at the J.N. Long Adult Education Center in Cleburne, TX.