Many immigrants leave their careers and passions behind when they move to a new country and struggle to find a place where their unique contributions matter. That happened with Beatriz, who had a fruitful career working with children in Brazil, first as an elementary school teacher and then doing research and clinical work with special needs children. She was always learning, getting multiple licenses to expand her areas of expertise. She even moved to the United States to find more learning opportunities.
Beatriz knew very little English, which was an obstacle to both using her skills and continuing her learning. She enrolled at The Immigrant Learning Center and began taking English classes.
It’s very important because if the immigrants don’t learn English, what do they do? It’s not good for USA… It’s not good because I think that many people have abilities to offer in USA. I imagine this, The [Immigrant] Learning Center is very important for these people.”
-Beatriz
Her real turning point came after talking with one of The ILC’s advisors, who brought up volunteering in a school as a way for Beatriz to gain experience in her field in the United States. Beatriz didn’t even know this was a possibility, so with our advisor’s help, she applied for a volunteer position at a local elementary school.
In July, she started tutoring special needs students in math for the summer. Not only has the school asked her back for the fall, they also told her about a teacher assistant course that another school in the district offers. She applied, and we’re all keeping our fingers crossed because completing the program would get her closer to working in the United States doing what she loves.
Beatriz credits The Immigrant Learning Center for showing her what was possible and how she could contribute to the United States. We credit donors, like you, who believe this work is important and are giving immigrants, like Beatriz, an opportunity to succeed.