From a Teacher Janett Arandia
Good evening, everyone.
My name is Janett Arandia, and I am originally from Cochabamba, Bolivia. I’ m honored to be here tonight to share my story, not just as a former student of CR, but also as an employee and an immigrant. Like many of you, I came here with a dream: to improve my skills in English, computers, and other areas to achieve my goals and create a better future for myself and my family.
When I first arrived in the United States, I was filled with hope and dreams, but the reality was much harder than I expected. I came with little to no English and had almost no knowledge of the culture. My plan was simple: stay a few years, work hard, save money, and return to Bolivia with the financial security to build a better life. But things didn’ t go as planned.
I quickly realized that without being able to communicate effectively, my opportunities were limited. I worked long hours, seven days a week, earning minimum wage.
Despite all my hard work, I couldn’ t save enough money to meet my goals. I felt stuck and frustrated. That’ s when it became clear to me: improving my English and gaining new skills were not just helpful— they were necessary for the future I dreamed of.
This realization brought me to CR, where I enrolled in ESL classes.
From the moment I started, I knew this place was special. I found teachers and staff who not only guided me academically but also cared about my personal growth. CR became a safe space where I felt supported, encouraged, and motivated to dream bigger.
The journey, however, was not easy. At one point, I was juggling three jobs while attending classes and completing homework. There were many late nights and moments of exhaustion, but I never gave up. After completing the ESL levels, computer classes, and earning my A + certification, new doors opened for me.
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