Student Success Stories
Jose De Los Santos arrived here in the United States from his home country the Dominican Republic in October 2022. In February 2023 he started taking ESL classes at MAE at the beginning level. Jose has been very motivated to make a successful life for himself in the US so he has worked hard to improve his English and his level of education. His English is now at Intermediate II level. At MAE Jose has also taken computer classes to improve his digital skills and studied hard to get his high school equivalency. Jose is currently working at FedEx but is in the recruiting process in search of a higher-paying job that better matches his interests and skills. Jose is especially proud that he can now have conversations in English with others on many different topics for an hour or more. Finally, he says that his goal for the future is to never be satisfied with what he’s learned because he is always striving to learn more to improve himself. Congratulations Jose on your great achievements thus far, and best wishes for reaching your future goals!
Marlene Reyes
Marlene came to the United States from Mexico in 2008 when she was 20 years old. In 2017 she enrolled at MAE and began taking Beginning Low ESL classes at Las Juntas Elementary (LJE) School in Martinez with her teacher, Marge McLean. Marlene studied hard and her English has greatly improved such that her English is now Intermediate level. Since 2017, Marlene has taken various MAE classes including ESL Communications Skills, ESL for Parents, and several computer classes. Now, she is enrolled in our High School Diploma program and is studying toward getting her diploma. When asked how studying English at MAE has helped her achieve her goals, Marlene said that now she can communicate with her children’s teachers, help her children with homework, fill out important documents, and go to the stores alone. Also, Marlene has become more active in her community. She takes her children to the library and community events and is currently the president of the English Learner Advisory Committee at LJE. In the future, Marlene’s goals are to get her high school diploma, continue to improve her English, study a career, and get a good job. Congratulations, Marlene, on your many accomplishments!
Marlene came to the United States from Mexico in 2008 when she was 20 years old. In 2017 she enrolled at MAE and began taking Beginning Low ESL classes at Las Juntas Elementary (LJE) School in Martinez with her teacher, Marge McLean. Marlene studied hard and her English has greatly improved such that her English is now Intermediate level. Since 2017, Marlene has taken various MAE classes including ESL Communications Skills, ESL for Parents, and several computer classes. Now, she is enrolled in our High School Diploma program and is studying toward getting her diploma. When asked how studying English at MAE has helped her achieve her goals, Marlene said that now she can communicate with her children’s teachers, help her children with homework, fill out important documents, and go to the stores alone. Also, Marlene has become more active in her community. She takes her children to the library and community events and is currently the president of the English Learner Advisory Committee at LJE. In the future, Marlene’s goals are to get her high school diploma, continue to improve her English, study a career, and get a good job. Congratulations, Marlene, on your many accomplishments!
Eric Abalon
Eric came to the United States from the Philippines when he was 23 years old. He married his high school girlfriend, held several jobs, became a supervisor and had a daughter. When the pandemic hit, Eric was laid off his job, something he said "was a blessing in disguise because I found Martinez Adult School." In February of 2021, he registered for four different ESL classes with the goal of eventually getting his high school equivalency certificate. He is now also taking the HiSET Preparation class and has already passed one of the tests needed to complete his high school equivalency. Eric's goals in the future are to "enhance my diction, improve my understanding and to pursue an Associate in Science degree from Diablo Valley College." He says, "My teachers are great people. They patiently [teach] me and my classmates step by step. I always put [in] a good word about this institution whenever I have the chance. I wish that I'd known Martinez Adult Education a long time [ago]." Eric's teacher, Leif Williams says, "Eric
has proved himself to be a very motivated and diligent student. He completes all assignments and his work is always thoughtful and well-done. Eric is well-liked and respected by both his classmates nad his teachers."
Eric came to the United States from the Philippines when he was 23 years old. He married his high school girlfriend, held several jobs, became a supervisor and had a daughter. When the pandemic hit, Eric was laid off his job, something he said "was a blessing in disguise because I found Martinez Adult School." In February of 2021, he registered for four different ESL classes with the goal of eventually getting his high school equivalency certificate. He is now also taking the HiSET Preparation class and has already passed one of the tests needed to complete his high school equivalency. Eric's goals in the future are to "enhance my diction, improve my understanding and to pursue an Associate in Science degree from Diablo Valley College." He says, "My teachers are great people. They patiently [teach] me and my classmates step by step. I always put [in] a good word about this institution whenever I have the chance. I wish that I'd known Martinez Adult Education a long time [ago]." Eric's teacher, Leif Williams says, "Eric
has proved himself to be a very motivated and diligent student. He completes all assignments and his work is always thoughtful and well-done. Eric is well-liked and respected by both his classmates nad his teachers."
Joanna Lopez
Joanna Lopez came to the U.S. from Colombia to get married two years ago. Prior, she worked for 10 years in an insurance company. Just six months after her arrival, she began her English studies at Martinez Adult Education. After building skills and confidence, she co-enrolled in the Business and Information Technology Program to earn an Accounting Specialist Program Certificate. While continuing to improve her English, she earned Accounting I, II and III certificates. She also took advantage of the free job preparation resources on campus.
According to her instructors, Joanna is extrememly professional, organized, efficient, and willing to do whatever is needed to get her goals accomplished. She proved herself a fast learner, excelling at whatever task was given her. Her energy and determination earned her the respect and admiration of both her instructors and classmates. Even in the face of great change during the Covid-19 related school closures, Joanna persevered online with both English and Accounting courses towards her goal to develop skills for the labor field. It was fitting that she received a call offering her a job in the accounting field while she was in her Zoom English class. Not even the coronavirus could stop her from reaching her final goals! Joanna is very grateful to the entire MAE community, but especially to her teachers, Leif, Gretchen and Marcio, for their continued support in this learning process.
Joanna Lopez came to the U.S. from Colombia to get married two years ago. Prior, she worked for 10 years in an insurance company. Just six months after her arrival, she began her English studies at Martinez Adult Education. After building skills and confidence, she co-enrolled in the Business and Information Technology Program to earn an Accounting Specialist Program Certificate. While continuing to improve her English, she earned Accounting I, II and III certificates. She also took advantage of the free job preparation resources on campus.
According to her instructors, Joanna is extrememly professional, organized, efficient, and willing to do whatever is needed to get her goals accomplished. She proved herself a fast learner, excelling at whatever task was given her. Her energy and determination earned her the respect and admiration of both her instructors and classmates. Even in the face of great change during the Covid-19 related school closures, Joanna persevered online with both English and Accounting courses towards her goal to develop skills for the labor field. It was fitting that she received a call offering her a job in the accounting field while she was in her Zoom English class. Not even the coronavirus could stop her from reaching her final goals! Joanna is very grateful to the entire MAE community, but especially to her teachers, Leif, Gretchen and Marcio, for their continued support in this learning process.
Liping Zhang
Liping came to the U.S. to join her husband in late 2016. Prior to coming to the U.S., she had worked as a graphic designer for ten years in China. For the first year she was busy with her young family and adjusting to life in the U.S.
In July 2018 she enrolled in ESL courses at MAE, initially placing in the beginning high level. She also took advantage of all learning opportunities in the morning and afternoon. Her persistence and hard work helped her to excel quickly, and in nine months, she had completed four levels.
In the Introduction to Medical Careers course, Stephanie St. Onge helped her realize that she could use the skills she already had to start a new career in the healthcare field. Upon completing the IMC course in May 2019, she enrolled at Contra Costa College and is now pursuing an A.S. degree. Soon she will be a Medical Assistant fluent in English and four Chinese dialects! Some day she may also pursue a career as a Medical Translator.
She is grateful to all the friendly staff at MAE, especially Leif WIlliams for his patience and kindness, which allowed her to quickly get into the learning state without worrying about mistakes, and Gretchen Lammers, an excellent teacher from whom she learned the most.
Liping came to the U.S. to join her husband in late 2016. Prior to coming to the U.S., she had worked as a graphic designer for ten years in China. For the first year she was busy with her young family and adjusting to life in the U.S.
In July 2018 she enrolled in ESL courses at MAE, initially placing in the beginning high level. She also took advantage of all learning opportunities in the morning and afternoon. Her persistence and hard work helped her to excel quickly, and in nine months, she had completed four levels.
In the Introduction to Medical Careers course, Stephanie St. Onge helped her realize that she could use the skills she already had to start a new career in the healthcare field. Upon completing the IMC course in May 2019, she enrolled at Contra Costa College and is now pursuing an A.S. degree. Soon she will be a Medical Assistant fluent in English and four Chinese dialects! Some day she may also pursue a career as a Medical Translator.
She is grateful to all the friendly staff at MAE, especially Leif WIlliams for his patience and kindness, which allowed her to quickly get into the learning state without worrying about mistakes, and Gretchen Lammers, an excellent teacher from whom she learned the most.
Olga Kovaleva
I came to the U.S. in September 2016 when my husband was promoted to a local office. In Russia, I was a lawyer in a large Internet company. I started taking ESL classes because I wasn't comfortable enough with my English. After a few months, I realized I needed to work harder to achieve my goals, and asked to be transferred to the next class where students were at a level above me. Additionally, I took all the classes that I could such as, Communication Skills, Writing, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to Medical Careers. I also got involved in many extra-curricular activities and volunteered my time with the ESL student Council, and the 100th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee.
After I passed Advanced ESL I felt confident enough to move beyond ESL, and in February 2019, enrolled in the Optical Assistant Training Program. This was an exciting step as the course wasn't designed for ESL students. Now that I have completed this course, my next goal is to take and pass the National Opticianry Competency Exam offered quarterly by the American Board of Opticianry, and find a good job.
This was all possible due to the fact that ESL students learn more than just the language, history and culture of this country, but also analyze a lot of material about confidence and self-improvement. This is critical for people who have left their usual conditions, and find themselves in completely new and unknown circumstances. Teachers are very supportive and help students find answers and direction. I believe that learning a language is a continuous process but when you start feeling more confident, then this process brings you much more joy.
I came to the U.S. in September 2016 when my husband was promoted to a local office. In Russia, I was a lawyer in a large Internet company. I started taking ESL classes because I wasn't comfortable enough with my English. After a few months, I realized I needed to work harder to achieve my goals, and asked to be transferred to the next class where students were at a level above me. Additionally, I took all the classes that I could such as, Communication Skills, Writing, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to Medical Careers. I also got involved in many extra-curricular activities and volunteered my time with the ESL student Council, and the 100th Anniversary Celebration Planning Committee.
After I passed Advanced ESL I felt confident enough to move beyond ESL, and in February 2019, enrolled in the Optical Assistant Training Program. This was an exciting step as the course wasn't designed for ESL students. Now that I have completed this course, my next goal is to take and pass the National Opticianry Competency Exam offered quarterly by the American Board of Opticianry, and find a good job.
This was all possible due to the fact that ESL students learn more than just the language, history and culture of this country, but also analyze a lot of material about confidence and self-improvement. This is critical for people who have left their usual conditions, and find themselves in completely new and unknown circumstances. Teachers are very supportive and help students find answers and direction. I believe that learning a language is a continuous process but when you start feeling more confident, then this process brings you much more joy.
Patricia Pacheco
Patty came to the United States from Guatemala in 2013. In just 5 short years she has benefited from the education of all three program areas at MAE and reached many of her goals. She truly embodies the mission of Martinez Adult Education to transform lives.
Patty began her studies at MAE in Beginning ESL classes. Through hard work and grit, she eventually mastered all the levels and earned an Advanced ESL certificate. She also pursued her dream to get a U.S. diploma, enrolled in ABE, and earned her GED. She then took classes in the Business Training Center in QuickBooks, Excel, Word, and Accounting. Currently, she is just two classes away from earning an Accounting Specialist certification.
As if this were not enough, Patty took Citizenship Preparation classes at night and became a U.S. citizen in September 2017. She has also served on the ESL Student Council and participated in five annual International Faires. All the while, she has been actively involved in the education of her two school-aged daughters, and has taken great pleasure in sharing all that she has learned with them.
To make this journey of success come full circle, Patricia has recently been offered a job at MAE. She greatly appreciates the staff “at her second home” who have guided and helped her each step of the way towards her dreams. She knows she is in part the product and the proof of the wonderful services offered by MAE, and is eager to work with both staff and students to give back to the school that has given her so much.
Patty came to the United States from Guatemala in 2013. In just 5 short years she has benefited from the education of all three program areas at MAE and reached many of her goals. She truly embodies the mission of Martinez Adult Education to transform lives.
Patty began her studies at MAE in Beginning ESL classes. Through hard work and grit, she eventually mastered all the levels and earned an Advanced ESL certificate. She also pursued her dream to get a U.S. diploma, enrolled in ABE, and earned her GED. She then took classes in the Business Training Center in QuickBooks, Excel, Word, and Accounting. Currently, she is just two classes away from earning an Accounting Specialist certification.
As if this were not enough, Patty took Citizenship Preparation classes at night and became a U.S. citizen in September 2017. She has also served on the ESL Student Council and participated in five annual International Faires. All the while, she has been actively involved in the education of her two school-aged daughters, and has taken great pleasure in sharing all that she has learned with them.
To make this journey of success come full circle, Patricia has recently been offered a job at MAE. She greatly appreciates the staff “at her second home” who have guided and helped her each step of the way towards her dreams. She knows she is in part the product and the proof of the wonderful services offered by MAE, and is eager to work with both staff and students to give back to the school that has given her so much.
Munha Lee
Munha came to the United States in March of 2000 to reunite with her family. She came to MAE to learn English because she wanted to communicate with people, find a job and become an American citizen. In order to be "surrounded by English", Munha took morning, afternoon and evening ESL classes. Munha says, "I remember teacher Cindy Levine's advice to listen to English as if listening to music, in order to get the rhythm of the language." She also remembers fondly Mr. Williams' class and the students singing in English.
After Munha attended ESL classes for only 1 year, her teacher encouraged her to attend the adult school's career fair. She found a job working with Alhambra High School food service. She also enrolled at San Francisco City College and took custodial, plumbing, basic electrical courses and hotel housekeeping, finishing 5 courses in 2 years.
In 2005, she became a permanent employee at Martinez Junior High. Later, in July 2005, Munha passed the test to become a United States citizen. A year later, when a night custodian position opened up at MAE, Munha returned to MAE as both an employee and an ESL student.
After years of hard work, in 2012, Munha was promoted to the position of head custodian at MAE. She also received recognition and an award for Excellence in Support Services.
Munha greatly appreciates all of the teachers and staff here at MAE. She believes they helped her become successful.
Munha came to the United States in March of 2000 to reunite with her family. She came to MAE to learn English because she wanted to communicate with people, find a job and become an American citizen. In order to be "surrounded by English", Munha took morning, afternoon and evening ESL classes. Munha says, "I remember teacher Cindy Levine's advice to listen to English as if listening to music, in order to get the rhythm of the language." She also remembers fondly Mr. Williams' class and the students singing in English.
After Munha attended ESL classes for only 1 year, her teacher encouraged her to attend the adult school's career fair. She found a job working with Alhambra High School food service. She also enrolled at San Francisco City College and took custodial, plumbing, basic electrical courses and hotel housekeeping, finishing 5 courses in 2 years.
In 2005, she became a permanent employee at Martinez Junior High. Later, in July 2005, Munha passed the test to become a United States citizen. A year later, when a night custodian position opened up at MAE, Munha returned to MAE as both an employee and an ESL student.
After years of hard work, in 2012, Munha was promoted to the position of head custodian at MAE. She also received recognition and an award for Excellence in Support Services.
Munha greatly appreciates all of the teachers and staff here at MAE. She believes they helped her become successful.
Pedro Guadiana Garcia
Pedro came to the United States from Mexico for the first time in 1997. Since then he has returned several times to stay for a period of time. He attended classes at Martinez Institute of English (MIE), which is located at Martinez Adult Education (MAE), for the first time in 2010. Since then, he has taken 2 years and 9 months of classes. He began in the Intermediate Low level class and graduated to the Advanced Low level.
While living in Mexico, Pedro's life revolved around working as a consultant and teacher and studying on his own. Pedro has a dream of becoming an international, bilingual consultant and teacher. Pedro says, "English classes have helped me to improve my reading, listening, grammar, and writing. Thanks to MAE, I can understand written news, books, advertisements, some songs and some TV programs. I am a proud son of this school." Pedro is proud of the fact that he has learned to do errands in English, learned songs in English, and learned to have conversations in English. He is proud of how his English has improved so far.
In our ESL classrooms, Pedro has had some great accomplishments. He has created and presented several powerful PowerPoint presentations in English on his country and culture and on health-related issues. In addition, he has assisted in two International Faires and has participated in classroom leadership. We also enjoy Pedro playing the guitar for our department and school-wide functions and activities. He is very talented. Pedro's instructor, Gretchen Lammers, has this to say about him, "Pedro is one of the most hard-working and dedicated English language students I have ever known, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. He has an amazing ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. He creates positive energy in any environment he is in, and helps classmates be the best they can be through example and encouragement."
Pedro says of his teachers and classmates, "My teachers, the MAE's staff and my classmates are my brothers, sisters and friends. I love them so much. I am proud of all of them. They are an important part of my life..." We are proud of you, too, Pedro!
While living in Mexico, Pedro's life revolved around working as a consultant and teacher and studying on his own. Pedro has a dream of becoming an international, bilingual consultant and teacher. Pedro says, "English classes have helped me to improve my reading, listening, grammar, and writing. Thanks to MAE, I can understand written news, books, advertisements, some songs and some TV programs. I am a proud son of this school." Pedro is proud of the fact that he has learned to do errands in English, learned songs in English, and learned to have conversations in English. He is proud of how his English has improved so far.
In our ESL classrooms, Pedro has had some great accomplishments. He has created and presented several powerful PowerPoint presentations in English on his country and culture and on health-related issues. In addition, he has assisted in two International Faires and has participated in classroom leadership. We also enjoy Pedro playing the guitar for our department and school-wide functions and activities. He is very talented. Pedro's instructor, Gretchen Lammers, has this to say about him, "Pedro is one of the most hard-working and dedicated English language students I have ever known, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. He has an amazing ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. He creates positive energy in any environment he is in, and helps classmates be the best they can be through example and encouragement."
Pedro says of his teachers and classmates, "My teachers, the MAE's staff and my classmates are my brothers, sisters and friends. I love them so much. I am proud of all of them. They are an important part of my life..." We are proud of you, too, Pedro!