Maria lived in Cuba her entire life until moving to Miami, Florida two years ago to be with her sisters. She recently moved to State College to live with her daughter who is pursuing her Ph.D. from Penn State University. She started learning English only one year ago and began by watching television shows and YouTube videos. She wanted the freedom and independence of going to the market and doctor’s office on her own, and to be able to communicate with others in her daily life.
She began working with Mid-State Literacy Council last fall and says her listening and speaking skills have already improved drastically. Maria is making the most of her time at Mid-State by taking conversation, writing, and grammar classes. She loves her classes and says the teachers are “very professional and helpful with communication.” She described them as very involved, supportive, and ready to help the students in any way they can.
Mid-State provides a friendly, welcoming environment and connects students with others that are going through similar, difficult situations. Apart from improving her literacy skills, Maria is grateful for all the friends she has made from all over the world. She described her experience with Mid-State as a necessary step in overcoming the frustrations of learning a second language.
