“My name is Fabiola Diaz, I am a wife and mother. I am from Venezuela, and I have lived in the United States for five years, and in Bluffton, South Carolina for the last year. My sons and daughter speak a lot of English; however, I had trouble understanding and speaking English, which is my motivation to learn the language. When I arrived in Bluffton, a Venezuelan friend told me about Bluffton Self Help and all their resources. I immediately registered for English classes. I also worked with their client advocate and together she helped me apply for jobs. Soon after working with her, I received an employment offer.”
Fabiola began taking classes at Bluffton Self Help’s Learning & Literacy Center last spring and through her hard work and dedication she has already jumped two levels, a feat that would take most students two to four years. Learning English is not easy. Fabiola continues to push herself and immerse herself in the language every day. Her new career is helping her to practice English more frequently and it is paying off, not only financially but also enhancing her ability to advocate for her family and engage with her community.
Sometimes one of the hardest barriers is having confidence and a support system. Fabiola’s classmates, volunteer tutors, and the staff at Bluffton Self Help continue to support her as she reaches her goals.
“With the help of Bluffton Self Help, I feel that my understanding of the English language is a lot better. I am very grateful to Bluffton Self Help; they are like family.” – Fabiola Diaz
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