Success Stories
CAMBA Adult Literacy Center. The name usually tells it all. The institute for those who need help with English, with computers, etc. In reality, it's not just simply that - we are a place dedicated to the progress of one thing - the dreams, the goals of all our students. Life for immigrants is far from a cakewalk, having to adjust to a new lifestyle, and a new language. Our faculty strives to provide our students with the means to move forward in life, to take the necessary steps into the world, into colleges, and into budding careers.
With that said, here are some of CAMBA's very own success stories, some out of many.
Student: Claire Louis
Country: Haiti
Resume
Claire is from the Caribbean country of Haiti; she came to the United States in October, 2007 with the anticipation of pursuing a better life. She intends on following the path of her sister who realized her dream as an immigrant to become a medical doctor.
Claire started taking classes within two weeks of her arrival to New York. Initially, she was never in search of a job; she wanted to improve her English communication skills first. Having made significant progress in the three cycles that she has been at CAMBA, she decided to seek employment and apply to the City University of New York.
Claire has achieved her goals at CAMBA: she has two part-time jobs and is preparing to start college in January 2009.
She is thankful of the support she received at CAMBA. Claire says, CAMBA “is a great place that helps you trust in yourself”.
Student: Marc-Henry Louis
Country: Haiti
Resume
Marc came to the United States on October 19th, 2007 and he started attending ESOL classes at CAMBA in December of that year. Marc is driven; he wants to master the English language to pursue a career in medicine.
Marc says he likes CAMBA not only because it has helped him to improve his English language skills, but also because of the “environment and all the great people that makes it a wonderful place to be”.
Like his sister, Claire, Marc has applied to CUNY and intends to start college in January 2009.
Student: Tieska Micial
Country: Haiti
Resume
Tieska, a native of Haiti, migrated to the United States in November, 2007 with the dream of achieving a better life. She was referred to CAMBA’s Adult Literacy Center through a friend and started ESL classes on January 2008.
Tieska is a focused and determined individual, and she knows that learning English would open many doors of opportunity for her. She has made tremendous progress in her ability to speak and understand English. Consequently, she was able to obtain employment while being enrolled at CAMBA.
But Tieska knew that she wanted more in life than just learning English and getting ‘a job’. This spring, she applied to the City University of New York (CUNY) with the intention of studying nursing.
Tieska is appreciative of the opportunities that CAMBA has given her. Now she is eager to study to become a nurse. She wants to give back to her community, which has given so much to her. Tieska says, “She enjoys the way CAMBA treats people, they make you feel welcome and comfortable”.
Edmond Alexander
CAMBA Adult Literacy Center's Case Manager
There is an old saying: “If you give me a fish, you will feed me only for one day. You will feed me for my lifetime if you teach me how to fish.” In fact, these words are more than true since my father taught me to take seriously my studies. I dreamed of becoming a math teacher since I was a child.
Nobody should live without dreams. A dream is what keeps you motivated to attain your goal. There is only one place where you can achieve this goal, school. School is like stairs you climb until you reach the last step, success. CAMBA, where you can, has the solution of your desires and is the key to your success.
I came to the United States on November 5th, 2001. To improve my ability in both reading and writing, I headed to CAMBA where I attended the ABE program during 2002-2003. I completed my first step there. Once I was able to enhance my reading, writing, and verbal skills, I moved on to Brooklyn College where I completed my second step. I attended classes there from Spring 2004 to Spring 2008. I graduated on February 2nd, 2008 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Since then, the first idea that came to my mind was to come back to CAMBA to help contribute to the well-being of the community. I worked as a teacher’s aid for the ABE program from January 31st, 2008 to June 27th, 2008. As of July 8th, 2008, I have been promoted to the position of Case Manager.
If I can do it, you can also do it. Why don’t you try?
Where there is a will, there is always a way!
- Edmond Alexander