When Miquel arrived in Bluffton, he brought with him a dream, a deep sense of purpose, and a powerful determination to succeed. Encouraged by a friend, he turned to Bluffton Self Help (BSH) to begin writing the next chapter of his life.
With clear goals and an eagerness to grow, Miquel enrolled in our English as a Second Language (ESL) program. From the very beginning, he stood out—not just for his dedication, but for the way he embraced every opportunity to improve. Morning classes became part of his routine, and as he advanced through the ESL levels, his enthusiasm and confidence grew along with each and every milestone accomplished.
When ESL for Conversation classes were introduced, Miquel didn’t hesitate to sign up. He also added a Financial Literacy Workshop to his growing list of accomplishments—all in preparation for one of his most meaningful goals: becoming a U.S. citizen.
The path to citizenship is often long, complex, and costly. That’s why individualized support is essential. Miquel found that support through Rick DiSalvo, a devoted BSH tutor who worked closely with him to prepare for his USCIS interview in Charleston, SC. Their one-on-one sessions paid off, and Miquel walked into his big day confident and prepared.
There’s a visible pride in Miquel’s eyes when he talks about his journey so far. He credits the support, services, and welcoming environment at Bluffton Self Help with helping him stay on track. But for Miquel, this is just the beginning.
He continues to access vital programs like The Market and has already set his sights on new goals such as completing Digital Literacy training, enrolling in the Getting Ahead program, and giving back as a Red Apron volunteer.
Miquel’s story reflects a larger truth: Nearly half of the neighbors who initially come to Bluffton Self Help for immediate needs go on to pursue additional education and empowerment opportunities. It’s in this commitment to learning and growth that lasting change takes root.
Adult learners like Miquel show us that it’s never too late to invest in yourself—and that with the right support, dreams really can become reality.
