Farewell Leah!

Rizgar (student), Leah and Luisa
 

Last week we said goodbye to one of our ESL teachers, Leah Atruia. She found a job teaching in another city. Leah has been with us for over a year. Her students appreciated her very much. On her last day with us, one of our colleagues, Luisa, baked her a cake. Both of our ESL classes joined together for a going away coffee and cake. There was such a sense of appreciation from both Leah and from the students. They are so grateful for what they have learned in the past year. Although we are sad to see her go we wish her the best.

Two of our students become citizens!

Jasmine Cardi

This photo is of two of our citizenship students. Acenscion to my left and Olga to my right were both applying for a passport on Passport Day. The American Place extends its passport services for the entire day to accomodate the people who become naturalized citizens. Passport Day is usually on the first Friday of the month. This is such special day for them. They have studied long and hard and this is the final step in their citizenship journey. Once they obtain a passport they are free to travel in and out of the country as they please without worry. Some people have said they feel as a if a big weight has been lifted from their shoulders. For many earning citizenship has been quite the process. This includes learning how to read, speak and write in English and learning about our government and history. Acenscion has studied in our Spanish Citizenship Class for over a year. She is in her 70's and was nervous about her test. Olga is in her 60's and was also nervous. Her test date happened to fall on my birthday and just a few days past her own birthday. Although both ladies were nervous they supported each other and kept a good attitude. They studied and were well prepared and now they are proud U.S. Citizens! Congratulations!