SUCCESS STORIES

PASSION, PERSEVERENCE, PRIDE! A LIFELONG LEARNER'S SUCCESS STORY

Ana’s passion, perseverance, and pride for learning and improving the quality of life for herself and her family are continually realized through participation in District 214 Community Education’s Adult Education and Family Literacy program.

A few years ago, Ana began in the Women and Children’s Center Program to learn English. She then enrolled in the Even Start Program with her two young sons and her husband, Octavio. Ana studied English as a Second Language (ESL), employability skills, and computer literacy at the Women and Children’s Center and continued in the Even Start Program, receiving monthly home visits and parent education. She also obtained a job at a local currency exchange. In both 2007 and 2008, Ana and her children participated in the summer Penny Severns’ Summer Reading Enrichment Program.

Feeling confident with her progress, in 2006, Ana embarked in the regular ESL Program, which met two nights per week. She enrolled concurrently in the Read to Learn Adult Literacy/Volunteer Program and was paired with a dedicated tutor with whom she still maintains a friendship.

Eager to become a US citizen, Ana enrolled in Citizenship Preparation Classes, and she and her tutor worked extra hours to prepare for her interview. Their diligence paid off on June 5, 2008 when Ana pledged her allegiance as an American citizen.

Presently, Ana manages the currency exchange at which she started working. She and Octavio now have a third child. Ana and the entire family are currently enrolled in the Women and Children’s Center, participating two nights per week in the Family Literacy Program. The family also participates in the Prevention Initiative Program and continues to receive monthly home visits and parent education.

Ana’s next goal? To prepare for and pass the General Education Development (GED) tests and to enroll in advanced computer classes!

District 214 Community Education commends Ana for her personal accomplishments. When Ana, and hundreds more like her succeed, we all succeed. That’s how we define return on investment. The programs which have enabled Ana to fulfill her goals depend on grants and donations. To make a donation, contact the District 214 Community Education Foundation, a non-profit, tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Together we’re Building Learning Communities.