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Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford

  

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Gloria

September 16, 2020 By Katie Gainer

At just 17 years old, Gloria moved to the United States from Mexico, knowing only a few words of English, to be with her sister. “At first, it was really hard and very frustrating”, Gloria admits. “Because you try to say something and nobody understands you. They speak to you, but you don’t know what they say”.

In sharing these frustrations with some new friends, one recommended that Gloria check out Literacy Volunteers. “She said she was doing a really good job here. She felt accomplished and proud, and I wanted that”.

Now, Gloria is at LVGH several days a week. “I try to take as many classes as I can- ESOL, the book club- I have free time right now so I’m trying to make the most of it”. When asked why, even now that her English is quite good, Gloria keeps taking classes, she says, “Well, because every time I learn something new! It helps me to pronounce better, to read and write better. You not only learn the second language, you learn about different cultures from different people in class. So that’s why I’m continuing to come. I’m very interested in it”.

Eighteen years later, with the firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to be a nervous newcomer to the U.S., Gloria is enjoying the ability to pay it forward. “Because I was in that situation and I know it is very frustrating, I’m more than happy if I can do something for somebody else. At the store, at the DMV…if I see someone struggling, someone that does not understand, I can ask if they need help. Some people like it, some do not, it depends on the situation. But I don’t mind. Why not help if I can?”

Filed Under: Student Stories

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Student Stories:

“I didn’t realize how helpful LVGH would be. This isn’t the end for me here. I’m going to keep coming back and improve my skills.”

Jackie

“I like how welcoming and encouraging the tutors are. They were able to help me with my dyslexia and push me to reach my goals. I always had a passion for learning and when I came to LVGH I met even more people like me and I felt like I was home.”

Joey

“Since I’ve improved my English skills I am more independent. I can go shopping, visit a doctor or fix an internet problem with a company over the phone, easily; that’s not a big deal for me anymore.”

Kelcillene

“Education helps you realize your potential, which allow you to empower yourself to do more than you thought you could do before.”

Winston

“After joining Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH) I feel confident to go out with my children. It changed my life.”

Lila

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Thank you so much to everyone who purchased a donation grocery bag from ShopRite for our Food Services Job Training Program. The students will use the soups to prepare casseroles, the oil to cook meats and vegetables, and the brown bags to pack it all up to hand out to members of the community! These pre-filled grocery bags, available for purchase at check-out and collected right by the exit door, will be available through the month of March. Stop by ShopRite in East Hartford to donate a bag and support our program today! ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago  ·  

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Congrats to former LVGH student Komi on getting his high school diploma! We're proud to have helped him begin his educational journey.Congratulations Komi! Class of 2021 👨‍🎓Best Wishes at Goodwin College with East Hartford CONNects! ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago  ·  

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30 Arbor Street
Hartford, CT 06106
First Floor South Building

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