Student Showcase

Qin Reese thanks her tutors and explains the struggles of learning English in this speech prepared for DCLC's Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Renee Ross describes re-learning to read as part of her journey back from a debilitating stroke

Shair Thomas describes overcoming many obstacles in her efforts to improve her reading in this speech prepared for DCLC's Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

See more student stories and student work on our Facebook Notes Tab.

Beatrice Atinkah told this story to her basic literacy tutor, Carolyn Gelone.

How I Decided to Go Back to School

It all started a couple of years ago. I have a friend that I went to school with in Ghana, West Africa. We have been best friends since first grade. When I came to the U.S., ten years ago, I would call him once in a while. To my surprise, anytime I talked to him, he noticed what I said and how I said it. Anytime we talked he always pointed out to me whether or not I had improved my English.

Five years ago he told me he was going back to get his high school degree. He went to school for three years. When he completed that he decided to go to college. Three years ago he started telling me to go back to school because he knew I have improved in English. There are some people that have completed high school back home and they don't speak English the way I do.

I have learned a lot of English since I came to the US. The more I learn, the easier it becomes to understand the TV programs. It is easier to talk with the people at work because nobody there understands the old language. I use my English if I shop or go to a movie or a restaurant. I must speak English. I also have help with my English from the Literacy Council and my tutor, Miss Carolyn. No wonder it has gotten better!

My friend was right. I have improved. He knows that I always feel confident and believe in myself. I want to go back to school now and get my GED. He knows I can do it. And so do I!

Ziba Salehi gave this speech at DCLC's Open House celebrating International Literacy Day.

Pursuing My Dream in the U.S.

Thank you for inviting me to speak tonight. My name is Ziba. I am 45 years old, am married, and have two daughters. I came to the U.S. almost four years ago from Iran, where I obtained a B.S. and an M.S. degree in psychology.

In Iran, I worked at the local television station as a researcher for children's programming. Although I had taken English classes during my years of education at the university, I could not speak English very well.

I found out about the Delaware County Literacy Council, through the internet and contacted them about their English classes. I have been studying English now, for about a year and a half, with my tutor Pattie.

We meet two days a week, for about two hours each night, at a local library. At first, we started with everyday conversation and basic vocabulary using a picture dictionary. After finishing that, we started to practice grammar and more advanced words, using an ESL program on the internet. We also read newspaper articles and discuss different TV programs together.

With Pattie's help, I was able to pass my U.S. citizen test with a perfect score and I became a U.S. citizen in January. Also, by practicing my interview and phone skills, I gained more confidence in myself and was able to find a part-time job as a seamstress, working at a nearby bridal shop.

Eventually, my wish is to continue my education at a university here and obtain a Ph.D., so I can work as a psychologist in the United States. This dream would not be possible, without the help of the literacy council.

Thank you all very much!