The Importance of Adult Education

 Adult education is important in this country because it’s a country of immigrants. Everyone wants to communicate in English for different situations such as to get a better job, have good self-esteem and not feel worthless due to the language barrier. I remember those years when I couldn’t say a word of English. I was working in a hotel and I told my boss that I had to go to school to follow his instructions well. He was understanding and together we arranged my schedule. With discipline, dedication and patience I started going to school at Liberty Adult Education. At the beginning it was hard as with any other career or work. I found that I had to try hard to reach my goal.

 Sometimes in our lives we are not able to express our gratefulness. I am thankful to my boss for being flexible, and I would also like to thank the government for supporting this program of adult education. It really helps us to reach our goals. It’s like a circle where everyone is included. Teachers and staff at school help us to continue in our education and move forward in our lives. This country is good, but it will be better when all the people who live here have a great education level.

 In January 2006 I started working as a volunteer in  Americorps at El Rio Adult Learning Center. It has been a great experience to encourage those people who have the desire and all the passion to learn English. It has taught me that I’ve not been wasting my time. When I explain, tutor or help, I feel that I’m learning twice. My goal is to give every student encouragement to remain in school and not give up. I never imagined myself sitting at a round table with students asking me questions. Seeing them enthusiastic and smiling with the inspiration to continue learning sustains me, and their personal expressions of gratitude such as, “thank you,” and “are you coming tomorrow?” show me that I did a good deed for them and me.  All this is thanks to the availability of the Americorps Program and Adult Education. Adult education is open to everybody no matter what country he or she is from. It is the beginning a new life.

 Jesus Martin Peralta Feb.2007