TEXAS Adult & Family Literacy QUARTERLY

Success Stories

Even Start Mom Learns to Dream in English

by Veronica Galeano

It is a pleasure to tell a little about my life. I’m a 38 year old married woman with children. My life like the majority of us is kind of ordinary. My life started to change one day when two moms at my son’s school told me about the Even Start Program. I was in an absolute depression so I decided to attend classes. I was already thinking about being absent at least one day a week. But quickly I learned to take English class seriously.

After a few months, I started thinking and talking in English by myself at home. One day, I even dreamt everything in English. It was very funny and exciting. Now that the year is almost over I can speak more English with my children and help them more. My children’s teachers like to see me at the campus because they know that I am studying.

When we went to Orlando, Florida a few months ago, I spoke English to everyone. I went downtown by myself and even asked for directions, everyone understood everything that I had to say. And when I’m on the phone I don’t have to ask for someone who speaks Spanish.

My goal is to start a career and to be able to help my children as best I can. I am proud of myself!

About the Author

Veronica Galeano was born in Ciudad Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico. She has been studying English and taking GED classes in the Socorro Independent School District Even Start Program in El Paso since August 2008.