Learner Spotlight: Tetiana (written by)

Hello! My name is Tetiana. 

I moved to the USA from Ukraine two and a half years ago. Naturally, like most people, I faced difficulties related to not knowing English. In Ukraine, I worked as a speech therapist, and speech has always been my strong point. Therefore, when I came to America, I felt like a person with disabilities. It is very scary when you do not understand people and cannot tell them anything yourself, but at the same time you have to solve very important everyday life problems. 

I have been learning English for two years now. And I want to share my experience with you. I want to note that I am lucky to live in Frederick, because it is here that there are many different, and most importantly – FREE opportunities to learn English. I began this difficult and long process at the Literacy Council of Frederick County. I am very grateful to the staff for their kindness, tolerance and professionalism, for the opportunity to choose the form, time, and method of my training. Here they helped me to get basic English skills, and most importantly – to gain a little confidence and believe in my abilities. 

And then I decided to take the second step – to study English at FCC (Adult Education). By this time I already had a job in a kindergarten, and I was glad that I had the opportunity to choose an online form of study in the evenings after work to study English: on Mondays and Wednesdays – a class at FCC, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays – a class at the Literacy Council of Frederick County. 

At the moment, I have a Reading and Grammar for Writing class in the Targeted ESL program (Frederick Community College). I also plan to begin training in March in a 90-hour child care certification program, which is organized by Frederick County Workforce Services in cooperation with Frederick Community College. 

I continue to move towards my dream – to be a speech therapist again, but here, in the United States. 

We at the Literacy Council of Frederick County are proud to support Tetiana and her dreams! One of her many accomplishments also includes her written contributions which begin on page 61 of our 6th edition Reflections magazine found here. Your financial support for this magazine enables more learners, like Tetiana, to continue to share their story and encourage others. Donate now via https://www.frederickliteracy.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/contribute/transact&reset=1&id=1 and indicate “Reflections magazine” in the comments box.