In Her Own Words. Perspective from an ESL student:
My name is Carmen Nuñez. I arrived in the United States in 2002 from the Dominican Republic. At first, I concentrated on taking care of my children and working to make a living. My daughter is now 18 years old and a freshman at North Shore Community College. My son is 29 and works with insulation. I spent all these years taking care of them and making sure they got a good education, and I don’t regret it.
Now it is my turn to go to school. I decided to study English with The Gables. This program is excellent and has helped me in my workplace and with my family. I have worked in produce at a local supermarket for 19 years. After four months of classes at The Gables, I worked up the courage to pursue a promotion at work. Now I work in the bakery with a higher pay rate!
Last week, I went to a doctor’s appointment and I came home so excited. I did not need an interpreter and I was able to understand everything!
My goal is to be able to speak fluently by the end of this year. I am really grateful to Elsabel Rincon and my instructor Stephanie Chery for the patience and excellent help .