Students' Success Stories 2024-25
We all enjoy success stories. They are positive messages about overcoming obstacles, working hard for the reward, and finding satisfaction in completing challenges. Read about the students who have obtained citizenship, those who escaped war torn countries and now have assimilated into American society and absorbed our culture, and those who finally read a bedtime story to a young child or grandchild. That last achievement has a special significance for a Basic Literacy student after a lifetime of frustration and low self-esteem. Here at Literacy Volunteers of America we like to celebrate all those positive events in our students’ lives. Sometimes we celebrate with hugs and treats, but most often, we share these achievements with others through this page on our website. That way all of our LVA community can share in the celebration of their success!
FranciscoFrancisco’s story begins in Venezuela, where he was born and raised. He grew up speaking Spanish, but his journey to the United States in 2021 necessitated learning English.
His journey to America was arduous. Francisco faced numerous hardships and, upon arrival, sought political asylum. One of the most harrowing challenges Francisco faced was being incarcerated for three months upon arriving in the U.S. This period tested his faith, tolerance, and self-confidence. Yet, it also solidified his gratitude for being alive and his resolve to build a better future. His first steps towards integrating into his new home started with a simple inquiry at the Bloomfield Library, where he discovered Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA). Understanding the importance of English in his new country, Francisco was motivated to learn. “If I know English, I can communicate, work, and socialize with most of the population. It will help me get a better job and be successful in my future goals,” he shared. Since starting his classes in October last year, Francisco has spent nine months improving his language skills. While he feels his vocabulary has expanded, he acknowledges that mastering grammar and speaking fluently is a journey still in progress. Francisco’s determination is evident in his choice of reading material. He is currently engrossed in a book by Carlos Devis, “Un Inmueble al Año No Hace Daño,” which offers strategies for investing in real estate. Francisco’s aspiration to become a successful real estate investor fuels his dedication to learning English, as he hopes to apply these strategies in his future career. Education was not new to Francisco. In Venezuela, he attended school and later community college, where he earned a degree in environmental science. However, the real test of his resilience came when he used his basic English skills to help a friend secure a job as a mechanic. “It was rewarding because I never imagined translating and thinking that with my basic English, I was making a difference in someone else’s life. To me, that is priceless,” Francisco recalled. The support from his English classes and tutors has been invaluable. “The teachers have so much tolerance; they come prepared and ready to teach,” he said. Despite setbacks, like a work accident, Francisco’s wife has been his biggest supporter, helping him stay motivated and focused. Francisco's story is, as that of many of our students, one of resilience, perseverance, and the steady belief that with the right support and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Through Literacy Volunteers of America, he has not only learned a new language but also found a community that believes in his potential. |