I like going to my ESL class. I never miss it! I feel more comfortable now when I read because I understand what I am reading better than before. I am a foreman at my job and have to speak to customers and read orders and emails at work. Before starting this class, I never wrote anything, but now, after only 24 hours of ESL classes (three days a week), I can write much better.
Leticia Alejo - Mexico
English classes are very important for me because I am learning how to read and write in English as well as speak it. This helps me a lot to be able to communicate with other people and understand when I go to the doctor or other places where people speak English. Learning more English is also making my job as a caregiver easier and is helping me help our children. My ESL classes are helping me a lot, especially the teacher who patiently and lovingly teaches us. Now it is easier and more comfortable to go to stores and other places with more confidence in my ability to communicate. Somebody once told me that I should be able to read and write my own language (Spanish) correctly before trying to learn another language, but now I know that isn't true. People who cannot read or write their own language well can learn English!
Paula Barriga - Chile
When I first arrived in the United States five months ago, I didn't know any English at all. For that reason, I became very timid and wasn't even able to ask for what I wanted at a store. Three months ago, however, I began to attend SESL English classes four days a week and now I feel much more confident. I can understand what people say and have met some wonderful people in my class. Thanks to the excellent teacher we have, I have been advancing in my ability to communicate in English more and more each day, especially in pronunciation which is very difficult for me. It's incredible how much I have learned in such a short time!
UPDATE:
Since returning to her native country, Paula has taken a test which showed that she is at a High Intermediate Level and been awarded a scholarship to continue her English studies!! Congratulations, Paula!!
Alberto Arreola - Mexico
I am very interested in my English classes because I want and need to learn more. I have learned how to read and write better, but even more how to speak. I used to have a lot of problems with people, especially when I went to the doctor. I was ashamed to speak because people didn't understand me. Now, however, I don't feel ashamed because people understand me and I understand them. I need to continue to learn and that's why I never miss a class!
UPDATE:
Since this was published, Alberto now has a job for the first time in years!