Monica proudly displays her newly received Citizenship Certificate
Monica was in my Adult Education class beginning in 2010. She had studied industrial design in her native Mexico, but now in the U.S., she needed to learn English quickly. She entered my class at a low intermediate level. Every semester after her first time in my class, the school administration changed my level, so I had the privilege of following Monica’s progress from low intermediate Level 3, to high intermediate Level 4, then Advanced Level 5 and finally Academic Skills. Monica was eager to learn. She explored the possibility of learning to teach Spanish as a Second Language using the techniques she learned in my workshop on how to teach English as a Second language. Monica completed this 16 hour course in addition to her work in the Adult Ed class. Recently, Monica became a U.S. citizen. She texted me with the good news after her swearing in ceremony: “Good afternoon Mrs. Black: Today I received the notification about the date of my Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Thank you so much for your help and prayers! It was a big help—your classes and knowledge. God bless you!” Then a few weeks later: “There were 150 people becoming citizens of the United States from 18 countries; only two Mexicans. I’m so thankful for this country for giving me the opportunity to have a great family and a new life. God bless America!!!” Monica has a great future ahead.