Learner Spotlight: Meet Jacqueline!

Welcome to our new monthly Learner Spotlight!

We invite you to meet Jacqueline, one of our students who will be featured each month in our new “Learner Spotlight”.  Adult  learners will represent all of the Literacy Council’s programs, including authors from Reflections: Voices of English Learners, the Literacy Council’s literary magazine featuring student writing, as well as other students.

My name is Jacqueline.  I’m from Syria where I worked as a physician internist, for about 35 years. My husband and I moved to the U.S.A. because of the war, 5 years ago.  I learned the English language in school. I could read, write, but I could not speak the language, nor understand many essential daily concepts, so I was frustrated.  Now after attending different classes at the Literacy Council I first attained my driver’s license and also gained so much more so that I can immerse myself in my new community.  I am certified as a Community Health Worker, facilitator for “Chronic Disease Self-Management,” and “Diabetes, Hypertension, Pain Self-Management” as well as a graduate of the Bridge Program that helps health educators give outreach to the community.  Besides I volunteer in Community Care Ministries with the Salvation Army.  Eventually my life has regained its vitality and its humanitarian meaning through my community services, and I still aspire to give more.

We hope you enjoy Jacqueline’s story “Understanding Homelessness”. View our all of our students’ stories on our new Reflections: Voices of English Learners web page!

“Understanding Homelessness” by Jacqueline

Homelessness is missing a permanent and safe home to reside in.  It is experiencing living in a car, par, parking lot, campground, or shelter.  Homeless people spend most of their daytime near libraries, hospitals, or any facility that may provide them with warmth, coolness, water, restrooms, or entertainment. Read more of Jacqueline’s story on page 16 from our newly-published 3rd edition of Reflections. Learn More