Students' Success Stories 2025-26
We all enjoy success stories. They are positive messages about overcoming obstacles, working hard for the reward, and finding satisfaction in completing challenges. Read about the students who have obtained citizenship, those who escaped war torn countries and now have assimilated into American society and absorbed our culture, and those who finally read a bedtime story to a young child or grandchild. That last achievement has a special significance for a Basic Literacy student after a lifetime of frustration and low self-esteem. Here at Literacy Volunteers of America we like to celebrate all those positive events in our students’ lives. Sometimes we celebrate with hugs and treats, but most often, we share these achievements with others through this page on our website. That way all of our LVA community can share in the celebration of their success!
ArceliaWhen Arcelia moved to the United States from Ecuador two years ago, she brought with her a lifetime of determination, discipline, and a deep love for learning. In her home country, she had earned a university degree in Business Management and built a professional career in office administration. She had learned how to manage projects, lead teams, and balance competing priorities—skills that once defined her daily life. But when she arrived in a new country, she quickly realized that success here would require something more. “In the U.S.,” she says, “you really need English for everything.”
Arcelia’s journey to learning English began with curiosity and courage. One day, she searched for libraries near her home and decided to walk in and ask if they offered English classes. That moment of initiative led her to Literacy Volunteers of America of Essex and Passaic Counties (LVAEP), where she began taking lessons a little over a year ago. “I have always liked English,” she says. “But now I need to learn to communicate with my environment and to get a better job.” For Arcelia, English is not just another subject—it’s the bridge to connection, opportunity, and belonging. Her progress has come through patience, persistence, and the guidance of her teachers. “The teachers have been very professional people,” she says, “and above all, they have had a lot of patience with all the students.” Each class brings her a little closer to her goal: understanding more during English-only conversations, feeling less hesitant to speak, and finding comfort in the rhythm of a new language. Still, balancing life, family, and study is not easy. Arcelia is a mother, and raising her son while adjusting to a new culture takes much of her time. There have been moments when she could not attend tutorials as regularly as she hoped, but she never lost focus. “Being consistent is the key to learning,” she explains. “If you stop, everything gets delayed.” She recalls with pride her accomplishments—graduating from college, building a life in a new country, and raising her son with love and perseverance. And while her father’s passing was one of the hardest moments of her life, she found the strength to move forward with the support of her family. Her advice to others is clear and heartfelt: “Organize your time and dedicate a few hours to studying the language. Keep reading, listening, and practicing constantly.” Arcelia’s dream is to work again in a professional office environment, fully using her education and experience. “Learning English,” she says, “opens doors in this country that offers so many opportunities.” |
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YovaniWhen Yovani arrived in the United States from Nicaragua, she came with her husband and children, greeted warmly by relatives already here. The journey itself was joyful, she remembers, filled with family and laughter. But soon after, she faced the quiet, heavy weight of a new reality: she didn’t know English.
“I realized how important it was to be able to speak with other people,” she says. “It was necessary, not just for daily life but also for work, for opportunities, for growth.” Back home in Nicaragua, Yovani had earned a university degree and built a career as a teacher, guiding children through lessons and giving them tools to succeed. She is proud of the students she helped, proud of shaping their personal and professional paths. But here, without English, she felt cut off from the profession she loved. Determined to change that, she sought out classes. A visit to Bloomfield College eventually led her to Literacy Volunteers of America. She began working with tutors, carving out study time even when her work schedule shifted unexpectedly. “It hasn’t been easy,” she admits. “I’ve had to study a little every day, sometimes changing my activities—listening to music in English while I work, practicing with technology, even using artificial intelligence.” Her progress is steady. The moments she remembers most are those first sparks of understanding—when English sentences began to make sense, when she could answer back and feel a door opening. Her tutors, she says, have been invaluable. They gently correct mistakes in speaking and writing, help with reading, and encourage her to keep moving forward. Still, she approaches learning with humility. “In every area, I can improve. We are always learners,” she says. And her favorite reading is anything that helps with personal growth, reflection, and motivation. Yovani’s dreams remain big. She hopes to one day return to teaching, this time in the U.S., or perhaps earn certification in computer studies. Another dream: to start her own business, something successful enough to support her family and her future. Through it all, her greatest source of pride is her role as a mother of two. “My family is my biggest accomplishment,” she says, “but professionally, it’s being a teacher—helping children who didn’t have knowledge and being able to influence their lives.” Her advice to other students is simple but heartfelt: “Keep going. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because from mistakes, we learn. Listen to music. Watch movies in English. And practice every day.” For Yovani, English is not just a skill—it is a key, opening doors to possibility, confidence, and the next chapter of her life. |
NellyWhen Nelly arrived in the United States from Ecuador in 2002, she came on a tourist visa, unsure of how long she would stay. But she quickly fell in love with the country’s energy and possibilities. What she didn’t expect was how much language would stand in the way of her goals.
Back home, Nelly had a successful career. She earned a university degree in history and geography and worked proudly as a teacher. “Being a teacher was one of my greatest accomplishments,” she says. “I was proud of what I had achieved.” But in the U.S., without English, her qualifications didn’t seem to matter. “The language barrier made everything harder. I couldn’t work in my field, and I struggled to explain myself in everyday life.” Tasks that once felt simple—visiting the doctor, filling out forms, understanding her surroundings—suddenly became difficult and stressful. “I had so many dreams when I came here,” she says. “But without English, I felt stuck.” Things began to change when her friend Anita told her about Literacy Volunteers of America. Nelly decided to join and has now been studying at LVA for over a year. She quickly learned that the support of skilled, patient tutors could make a huge difference. “They help me with grammar, reading, writing, and vocabulary,” she explains. “They understand my challenges and help me push through them.” She now balances work and classes, often studying at night after long shifts. Despite the demands of her schedule, she never misses a session. “I want to keep improving,” she says. “Every class gives me more tools and more confidence.” Her progress has been steady and rewarding. Today, she no longer needs a translator at medical appointments. She can understand conversations in public spaces and feels more confident asking questions and making decisions. “Now I feel more independent,” she says. “It feels good to do things for myself.” Nelly’s long-term goals include speaking and writing fluently, growing her vocabulary, and returning to meaningful work that reflects her background. She hopes one day to support others who are going through the same experience. To other adult learners, she offers this advice: “Be patient with yourself, but don’t stop. Keep coming to class. Keep studying. You’re not alone—and every step you take moves you forward.” For Nelly, learning English is not just about communication. It’s about unlocking her potential and honoring the person she has always been. |
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AlvaroWhen Alvaro left Ecuador in July 2021, he stepped into a new world with little more than determination and hope. Back home, he had completed high school and was in his fourth semester studying economics at a local university. He left behind his studies, his community, and the comfort of his native language—all in pursuit of greater opportunity in the United States.
“Leaving my family and everything familiar was not easy,” Alvaro says. “But I believed in the promise of a better life if I worked hard.” Alvaro’s first major challenge in his new country was English. In Ecuador, he hadn’t needed it. In the U.S., he needed it for everything: talking with people, understanding directions, applying for jobs—even ordering food. One early experience still stands out. “I went to McDonald’s in Maryland and couldn’t speak clearly enough to order,” he recalls. “I was nervous and embarrassed. I left without eating. That day, I realized I needed to learn English—not just for work, but to survive.” Determined to improve, Alvaro discovered Literacy Volunteers of America through the Passaic Public Library. That moment changed his path. He enrolled in English classes and made a promise to himself: no matter how hard it got, he would keep going. “My teachers at LVA have been patient and supportive,” he says. “They helped me understand the language and also gave me confidence.” Now, after more than a year and a half of consistent effort, Alvaro studies every evening after work. He practices with coworkers, chats online with friends, and learns through reading and conversation. He even participates in online English study groups, where he connects with other learners facing similar challenges. “It’s still hard sometimes, but I’ve improved so much,” he says. “I can understand people, join conversations, and write better than before.” One of his proudest achievements is getting his first job in the United States. “That job was more than just income—it showed me that I can adapt, contribute, and succeed,” he says. “It meant everything.” Alvaro still has goals: improving his pronunciation, building his vocabulary, and eventually enrolling in training programs to expand his skills. He’s inspired by the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, which taught him the importance of investing in personal growth and financial education. “Learning is power,” he says. “And I want to grow every day.” To others on the same path, Alvaro offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Ask for help. Practice every day. And don’t give up.” For Alvaro, English is more than a language—it’s the key to the future he’s working hard to create |