Magnolia/Columbia County Literacy Council

Roxana Castro

Roxana Castro is a thirty-nine year old English as a Second Language student. She has lived in the United States for twenty-two years and is ready to become a citizen. 

Roxana enrolled in our ESL Citizenship class when it began in February. She is a very eager and conscientious student, always having her “homework” completed before class. She is not shy in asking if she does not understand something or has a question. As we discuss different things, she contributes to the discussion with interesting information. 

Here are some of the things that Roxana said about participating in our program: 

“I want to learn about the United States, its history, the different places, customs, and people. I want to study the English language. I also want to learn about the presidents, government and laws.” 

“I went to high school in California until the 11^th grade, but I don’t remember much that I learned. I am now learning again. After I become a citizen, I want to continue to study here for my GED.” 

“The main reason that I want to become a citizen is so that I can vote. I have lived here a long time, and I know that I am not going back to El Salvador. I work in McNeil and also have a store in Magnolia called Leonidas & Jasiel 99¢ Store. I also want my young sons to know that I care about America. When I am a citizen I will feel proud and equal to citizens born in this country.” 

Sarah Calton

Sarah Calton began adult classes in September 2002 when the plant she was working at closed down. She first started in the computer class and getting her GED was not on her mind. One of the teachers asked if she had thought about finishing school and encouraged her to do so. After giving it some thought, Ms. Calton decided that she did want to get her GED. When she began classes, she scored a 6.2 in reading—today she is at 9.2. She has raised her math scores from 4.2 to 7.0 and her language scores from 3.5 to 8.6. She has taken the GED once and made passing scores on everything except math and language. She is currently studying to take those sections again. It is her dream to march in our June graduation. 

Ms. Calton said, “This is a great place to come and learn. It doesn’t cost you any money—just time. The teachers are dedicated to helping in any way that you need them to. I dropped out of public school when I was thirteen. I worked all those years, but I decided to come back and finish what I started in order to help my grandchildren with their work and help myself in the workforce. In the beginning, I thought that it was great that I was doing this, but as I began to study I thought it was the worst thing that I could have done. However, I am now proud of myself because I stayed, worked hard, and, with the teachers’ help, have gained a great deal. I recommend this school to anyone who needs improvement in their education or just a refresher in what they already know.” 

“My kids have told me they are so proud of me. They are going to throw me a party the night of my graduation. They have been telling their friends how proud they are of me. I have no idea how many people will be coming to my graduation.”  

Javier Ferral

Javier Ferral is a young Hispanic man who entered the program in April 2007. He had been in the United States for two years, but still had very limited English skills. He learned about the ESL program from a former student, his employer. 

Javier stated that he came to ESL to learn English because he understood very little and could only read a little. He wanted to use more English to help him with shopping, communicating, and, if needed, emergencies. Javier also said, “Sometimes I don’t understand people on the phone if they tell me a statement or ask me a question because they talk so fast and have a different accent.” 

When Javier came to class, his instructor introduced him to being on a computer and using the Rosetta Stone language program. He likes knowing how to operate a computer and will come to class early in order to have more time on it. In his group class, he has enjoyed learning the parts of the body, numbers, months, days of the week, and the names of fruits and vegetables. Since he is a cook in a Mexican restaurant, he was especially glad to learn the latter. 

One of his favorite things is to write in English. Javier said, “I like writing in English now. I like spelling the words and saying the words correctly.” Asked how the class has helped him with his English skills, he said that he understands more when he talks on the phone. Also, other people understand him more even though he still doesn’t always speak in complete sentences. 

Javier says that he has enjoyed the “extra” activities that his class has done. The potluck holiday party was fun and he had lots of good food to eat. Also, it was fun to make a “homemade” Valentine in class for his wife. 

Because he has had the opportunity to attend the ESL program, Javier has been able to improve his life and feel more of a part of his local surroundings.

Keyara Thomas

Keyara Thomas began receiving tutoring from the Magnolia/Columbia County Literacy Council in July 2007. She entered the program hoping it would help her to bring up her basic skill level so that she could continue earning credits to graduate from the local public school. However, since she had too many credits to earn in a reasonable amount of time, it was not feasible to continue her education there. 

When Keyara began the tutoring program, she had grade equivalents of a 6.2 in reading on a difficult TABE test, along with a 5.2 in math and 6.5 in language on an easy TABE test. She began studying in math under the direction of the council tutor Patsy Baker. By November she had raised her math score to 7.2 on a medium TABE. She entered the local adult education program on January 7, 2008 where she has continued to rapidly progress. By the end of January, her math score was 9.3 and her language score was 8.1, both on the medium TABE. 

In March, Keyara’s instructors began to give her review work in the GED subjects of reading, science, social studies, writing and math. After studying specific areas in each of them, she was ready to take the official GED practice tests. Her scores on those qualified her to be admitted to take the official exams. To date, Keyara has passed all the subjects except math, which she expects to retest in that subject in the near future. 

When asked about her experiences this past year, Keyara stated: 

            Last fall, I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish high school. My Auntie Melinda heard
about the literacy council’s tutoring program so I came out here. At first I was nervous
and scared. Then I began to be comfortable and found I knew I could do more than I
thought. Mrs. Baker was beside me the whole time. She helped me accomplish more
by encouraging me to come to tutoring every day. Because the program helped me so
much, when I turned 18 I knew I was ready to get my GED. Now I have more confidence
           I can do the work. 

After she receives her Arkansas High School Diploma, Keyara wants to go to cosmetology school. “But,” she says, “My teachers are also encouraging me to go to college and earn a degree.” 

Because of the availability of the Magnolia/Columbia County Literacy Council’s programs to help her, Keyara Thomas now has the opportunity to fulfill many of her dreams.