• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford

  

  • About Us
    • History
    • Staff
    • Board
    • Career Opportunities
  • Volunteers
    • Tutor Training
    • Volunteer Application
    • Tutor Resources
    • Forum
  • Students
    • Class Schedule
    • Student Application
    • Job Training
    • Weblinks
    • Greater Hartford School Choice Assistance
  • Give
    • Donate Now
    • Ways to Give
    • Our Donors
  • News & Events
    • Calendar
    • Archive
  • Contact

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

Primary Sidebar

Read All About It

  • News & Events
  • Student Stories

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

Facebook Feed

Thank you so much to everyone who donated these past few weeks through Birdies for Charity. Thanks to you, we exceeded our fundraising goal and raised over $8,800 for our programs and students! Check out this interview from the Travelers Championship with our Executive Director, Stephen Morris, to learn how your generous gifts will help create a more literate Greater Hartford. ... See MoreSee Less

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford | The River 105.9 | Community Access

theriver1059.iheart.com

Renee chats with Stephen Morris, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford.

15 hours ago  ·  

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Last call! Sunday, June 26th is the last day to donate to LVGH via Birdies for Charity to receive a 15% bonus added to your gift. Give now at: bit.ly/lvghbirdies ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago  ·  

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Footer

        UnitedWay

       ProLiteracy

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

LVGH
30 Arbor Street
Hartford, CT 06106
First Floor South Building

Phone (860) 233-3853

Copyright © 2022 | Site By waldenponddesign