Student Stories
Reading Connections changes lives. We do this by helping our students learn, grow, achieve, and succeed by improving their literacy and educational skills. Our students are empowered to not only meet the goals they’ve set for themselves, but to then set new and higher goals. We are so inspired by all that they accomplish, and we know you will be, too. Here are just a few of their stories.
Jonathan spoke very little English when he moved to the United States from Vietnam five years ago...
Jonathan spoke very little English when he moved to the United States from Vietnam five years ago. As an employee at Horizon Tool Inc., he struggled to communicate effectively with his supervisors and coworkers. When his employer partnered with Reading Connections to provide English classes onsite to employees, Jonathan immediately signed up.
“I have trouble understanding people,” he said. “When someone asks for an item, I need to know what they are asking. It is important for me to understand people at my job.”
Not only have Jonathan’s English skills improved since attending classes, he feels more confident in his workplace.
Emily joined Reading Connections with the goal of earning her GED so she could find a better job....
Emily joined Reading Connections with the goal of earning her GED so she could find a better job. It was clear from the start that she was dedicated and determined to reach her goal.
Over the next few months, Emily worked with multiple tutors to improve her writing skills, learn more about algebraic expressions, and build her knowledge of science and social studies. Emily attended classes for a total of 205.5 hours!
We are happy to report that Emily earned her GED. She hopes to find a job working with animals.
Elizette had a dream becoming a professional driver. When she tried to enroll in a commercial dri...
Elizette had a dream becoming a professional driver. When she tried to enroll in a commercial driver’s license (CDL) class, she was unable to pass the math section on the assessment. After working with a math tutor for a few months, Elizette was able to improve her math skills by multiple grade levels. She was able to enroll in the training program and passed her CDL. She now drives for a trucking company and is loving her new life!
Originally from Niger, Agali had no formal education. Once he moved to the United States, he knew...
Originally from Niger, Agali had no formal education. Once he moved to the United States, he knew that he needed an education to support his family. Agali registered with Reading Connections and began working with his tutor, Tricia. It wasn’t long before Agali decided he wanted to become a U.S. citizen. He registered for the test and worked with Tricia to prepare. As an Uber driver, he spends a lot of time waiting for clients. During that time, he listened to audio tapes that helped him learn the information he needed to pass the test.
Agali passed the test and became a U.S. citizen this year! He encourages his friends and people he meets to come to Reading Connections. “I never went to school but Reading Connections has helped me learn. It is a very good place and we have fun together.”
Tania has shown dedication and commitment to learning English since becoming a student at Readin...
Tania has shown dedication and commitment to learning English since becoming a student at Reading Connections. She attends class consistently and her efforts have paid off. In addition to always trying to improve her own language skills, Tania has a strong personal commitment to helping others with their English. For the past year, she has volunteered as a teacher’s assistant, working with beginning and intermediate level students at Horizon Tool. She shows enthusiasm, patience, and a genuine interest in the students she serves.
Dorothy consistently attends a reading and computer class in order to prepare for the GED test. S...
Dorothy consistently attends a reading and computer class in order to prepare for the GED test. She asks great questions and is always a source of encouragement for her classmates. She gracefully balances being a student with taking care of her family members and volunteering for her church. Dorothy is a remarkable person who shows a tremendous amount of grit when faced with difficult circumstances.