The following is a post from one of our students. This is, In Their Own Words: Alex Hernandez.

My name is Alex Hernandez. I am 19 years old. I grew up in the mountains of Guatemala and went to school for five years. My parents never went to school and we spoke a type of Mayan dialect. I have been in the United States for three years and a student at the Literacy Council for two years.

When I first came to the Literacy Council, I didn’t speak any English at all. I went to school only one day a week because I had to go to work. I didn’t know how to write, and I couldn’t read books. My teacher, Nina, told me I must get my high school diploma. I started reading every single day, and that’s how I learned to speak English. She told me it was important to learn English and to watch the news. I’ve spent a lot of time reading books. My favorite books are about history, adventure, biography, science, and math.

My teacher in third level is Brother Joe. Brother Joe inspired me to learn how to be a great student, and he is funny. I wanted to get my GED, and I met my new tutor, Karen. She inspired me to learn. Karen has taught me how to write great sentences in a paragraph. I had a test four months ago, and I passed the test. Now I go to school every morning and I work at Rodes restaurant about 50 hours a week.

I have also met many students from different countries. All the students who are in advanced classes are able to help each other. All of them are very friendly. I am looking forward to finding a great job. I will get an education which will bring me more opportunities. My goal is to become a lawyer. I am thankful for all of you who fund the Literacy Council and for all my teachers and friends who are helping me to learn and have a professional career in the future.

Thank you.