TEXAS Adult & Family Literacy QUARTERLY

Success Stories

Why Am I Learning English?

by Berta Ortiz

There are no limits for human beings. There are, only if he/she makes them. The need to learn English brought me to this school. Why is this necessary? There are some reasons. I live in this country, the land of opportunities. Then I need to communicate with other people. One of the most important reasons may be the main one is to become a citizen, but before this beautiful dream can be materialized, I need to work hard on it. I want to become a citizen of this country and to be part of it, learning about its culture, its language, about everything good I can learn. I wish to understand people and for them to understand me, feel like others don’t feel underestimated. Next, I want to get better job opportunities. I don’t want to be cleaning houses all my entire life. I know this is not bad. Any kind of honest job is good, but I know I can do something better.

Carrying on, in my future may be I can study a career and pick up my life. Also, I want to be an example for my family. They know how important education is. My example shows them “If I can do it, you can do it.” I know not everything in life is a piece of cake. Spending time with my family is really important to me. But, when I started to study English I came to school from Monday through Saturday. On my third semester I thought over a goal to obtain my GED diploma. I came to school in the afternoon and during the night schedule; fortunately that semester, I was able to get it.

This economic situation can be an obstacle in our learning. For example, I work part-time. Two times the company where I work has called me offering more hours but this would affect my school schedule. It is necessary for me to do economic changes in my life, but my decision is to continue in school. I know that I had chosen the better part. All changes that I need doing are welcomed if those allow me to improve my learning.

About the Author

Berta Ortiz is currently enrolled in ESL level 3 with Ms. Liz Moya at Ysleta Community Learning Center.