2025-26

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!

Carol

Carol grew up in Peru and arrived in the United States about 3 years ago. The journey wasn’t simple, she says; there were difficulties, but she also describes herself as someone who adapts. The way she tells it, Carol’s path forward began, as many important things do, with a friend.

A friend told Carol about Literacy Volunteers of America, and she signed up. She began learning English almost a year ago—still early enough that each new phrase can feel like a small leap. “I’m learning and can communicate a little better,” she says. English isn’t about sounding perfect. It’s about being able to connect with people, without fear.

Carol loves learning, and she wants to study at college here. In Peru, she completed college and became an accountant. That achievement matters to her—not just as a credential, but as proof that she can do hard things and finish what she starts. Now she’s doing it again, in a new language and a new place.

She works at a supermarket, where English shows up in quick, practical bursts: greetings, questions, instructions, small talk that moves as fast as the checkout line. She listens closely and notices patterns. She says listening to others at work has helped her learn more. Over time, the everyday exchanges become a kind of classroom—real life, repeated daily.

When she talks about what she wants to improve, she doesn’t hesitate: listening and speaking. Those are the skills that demand courage in real time. You can’t pause a conversation. You just step into it, try, and try again.

Carol measures success in more than one way. Her greatest achievement, she says, is seeing her family well. And she recently received a promotion at work, something she’s proud of. It’s a milestone that says: you’re building a life here, and it’s taking shape.

She also carries loss. Carol speaks about her grandmother with tenderness and pain. “It still brings tears to my eyes,” she says. She copes by leaning on her family's love.
If you ask Carol about a favorite book, she mentions Camila. She says it helped her face problems and taught her to look at the stars and tell them whatever she wanted when she felt alone. It’s an image that fits her: honest, hopeful, and quietly brave.

Carol is grateful for her teachers and tutors—an important part of her life. Her advice to other students is simple: don’t be afraid to learn. Seek the means and strive for your dreams. Carol’s dream is still moving forward—one new word, one shared conversation, one step at a time.

Stepher

When Stepher talks about her journey to the United States, she doesn’t dramatize it. She just tells it plainly, step by step, the way someone does when they’ve replayed it quietly in their mind many times.

She’s originally from Haiti, where she grew up speaking Creole and French. In February 2023, she left. First a bus from Port-de-Paix to Cap-Haïtien. A night in a hotel. Then a plane to Fort Lauderdale. Then another to Newark. Long, but good, she says. Long, and full of hope.

Back home, Stepher went to college. She studied nursing. It wasn’t just coursework—it was a calling shaped by care, responsibility, and service. When she arrived in the U.S., she carried that dream with her. But there was a barrier standing squarely in front of it: English.

A friend told her about Literacy Volunteers of America–Essex & Passaic Counties. Her sister had been a student. Stepher signed up, not because learning English sounded easy, but because it felt necessary. Understanding. Writing. Speaking. These weren’t abstract goals. They were practical tools for daily life—and for a future she was trying to reclaim.

“I want to speak English fluently,” she says simply.

She had learned some basic English in high school back in Haiti, but here, she has now been studying for two years. Slowly, steadily, her vocabulary has grown. Her comprehension has sharpened. Her writing has become clearer. Pronunciation, she says—that’s what she still wants to work on.

Stepher doesn’t name a single favorite book. She believes every book has a message meant for a particular moment. But she does mention one that stayed with her: Le Miracle de l’Honnêteté (The Miracle of Honesty), by a Haitian author. The book describes honesty as a virtue powerful enough to make the world better, even in the hardest circumstances. That idea matters to Stepher. Life, she says, is full of challenges. When obstacles come, she prays. She looks for solutions. She asks for help.

Learning English has changed her daily life in concrete ways. She can communicate with people. Read medication labels. Make appointments. Ask questions. Advocate for herself. These are small victories that add up.

But when asked about a moment she will never forget, she doesn’t talk about grammar or exams. She talks about people.

“The courage and the patience of the tutors,” she says. “They are wonderful.”

Stepher makes time for English every day—reading, listening, watching, writing. LVA teachers and tutors, especially those she met in person at the library, helped her practice speaking when it felt hardest. Their support kept her going when the work felt heavy.

Her advice to other students is direct: stay focused. Don’t let go.

As for the future, Stepher’s path is clear. She plans to return to college and earn a nursing degree here. Learning English, opens access—to education, to information, to good jobs, to new skills. “It’s amazing,” she says. And this time, the word comes easily.

Pablo

When Pablo arrived in the United States from Ecuador in 2022, he carried with him a quiet determination and a deep desire to begin again. Back home, he earned a technological degree in Industrial Mechanics and worked with precision tools, machines, and systems. He was used to solving problems through logic and patience. But after moving to the U.S., he quickly realized that his greatest challenge would not be mechanical—it would be linguistic. To find new opportunities, he needed to master English.

“I went to the library to ask about English courses,” he recalls. “They sent me to Mr. Jorge.” That conversation opened a door that would change the course of his life. Through Literacy Volunteers of America, Pablo began taking English classes and, as he describes it, “started a process of personal development.”

In the beginning, speaking felt like an obstacle course. “Before I started the program, I didn’t have confidence in myself,” he says. “But step by step, I went through the process, and now I feel confident to speak up.” His tutors, he emphasizes, made all the difference. “In my opinion, my tutors are the best. They have a lot of experience and patience to help us through the process. Each class gives me motivation to keep improving.”

Little by little, Pablo noticed changes in himself. “The first time someone spoke to me in English, and I could understand them, I’ll never forget that moment,” he says, smiling. “It made me realize I was really learning.” Now he practices every day—watching movies, listening to music, and even talking to himself in English to build fluency. “Each class is an opportunity to get better,” he says.

He finds daily inspiration in Unstoppable by Tony Robbins. “Because we put our own limits,” Pablo explains. “If we believe in ourselves and keep working, we can go further than we think.” That mindset has shaped not only how he studies but also how he approaches his new life in America.

Today, Pablo feels proud of his progress and is preparing for his next goal—to continue studying and become a bookkeeper. It’s a new chapter, one that combines his precision, discipline, and growing confidence in communication.

When asked what advice he’d give to other learners, his words are simple but powerful: “We need to face the fear of making mistakes and just do it. Keep going and never give up.”

From a single question at a library desk to finding his own confident voice, Pablo’s journey shows how courage, persistence, and gratitude can turn learning into transformation—one word, one conversation, one goal at a time.

Arcelia

When 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.”

Yovani

When 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.

Nelly

When 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.

Alvaro

When 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