New Jersey Learners Give Thanks
(Posted May, 2002)

Awards were given to LVA-NJ administrators, programs, tutors, and supporters. Two adult learners from LVA-NJ programs also received "Student of the Year" Awards. The acceptance speeches given by these two students, Vladilen Gimpilevich and Elise Martinez are shown below. They are beautiful summaries of the good work that goes on within New Jersey’s adult education programs.

Vladilen Gimpilevich

First I want to say thank you very much from all immigrant students to you, people who spend your own time, knowledge and warmth of your hearts for us. You do not only teach us English, but due to your help, we come to understand American people and American life. You give us a good opportunity to find jobs and feel ourselves free. We know how hard you work because some of us are not so young and talented. Thank you for your generosity and patience. Personally, I am thankful very much to my tutor, June Vogel.

I met June approximately three and half yours ago. At that time, my English was equal to zero. I could not read, write and speak at all but I was full of optimism. I hoped if I would study English hard for one year, that I would speak fairly well. We began to study two times a week and never one class was like the others. I admired her inventions and accomplishments. I began to read and write but I could speak only with difficulty. I recall now how June asked me for the one thousandth time "What time is it?" I was ready to kill myself but I could not answer her. She looked at me patiently and one-thousandth first time repeated. "What time is it?" It was awful time. I am difficult student. My wife studies with me but she speaks much, much better then I do. However, bit-by-bit I began to speak English, too.

I found a job and began to work as a mailman for Pharmacy Company. It was good work but I could not speak with people because I worked alone. In that time, I understood that for successful study language I should communicate with people. About half a year ago, I changed my job. Now I work for the library. Due to June, I have enough English for this job.

June told us and read to us a lot about the history of the USA, famous American people and places. We studied about American heroes and patriots. When June invited us to attend the class for new tutor-volunteers, I could see real patriots. I was surprised to see how many American people wanted to support us. That example helped me to understand and to love America better. I am proud I know people like you.

I cannot be as helpful to people as you are but I want to try to help people, too. Now I have two chess classes in the library, beginning and intermediate, where I try to teach children to play chess.

Now I continue to study English with June. It makes me sure of my future life in the USA. I think all your students have the same feeling. Thank you again.

Elsie Martinez

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to thank LVA-New Jersey for this honor. To tell you the truth I thought that Darnelle, my program director, and Elizabeth, our drama coach, were joking with me when they told me the news. When I saw my e-mail at home and read it that’s when I realized it was true and I broke down in tears!!

I had been looking for this program for such a long time. I would see it advertised on TV, but I wasn’t able to find it until one day my cousin told me about the Jersey City Literacy Program. I joined the Program in February 2000 and started working with my tutor in April 2000.

Besides working with my tutor, I also went to other activities like spelling, math, book club, student support group and the drama troupe.

I have become more confident since I have been in the program. My reading skills improved 2 grade levels in one year. I now can open a book and read it. When I ride on the bus or walk around town I can read signs and understand them. I could not do this a year and a half ago. This makes me feel good about myself because I accomplished so much through the program.

I also have learned to use the computer. Now they call me the e-mail queen. I also use the computer to write my sentences and it has helped me with my homework and so much more.

Now that I am able to read much better, it has opened a new world for me. Something I thought would never happen.

I want to thank the staff at the Jersey City Literacy Program, Nancy, Darnelle, my tutors Paul and John who seem to be always around to help me.

I want to thank Elizabeth and Steve and the drama troupe. They have taught us many things like working together to put on a good play and supporting one another.

All my friends have been very supportive of me.

I also want to thank God. It’s only through him that I continue to be strong.

I know that with hard work and determination, I will become better and better so that I can one day reach my goals.

I have gone to a few conferences since I started the program and my dream was that someday I would become the Student of the Year. You have made my dream come true today.

Thank you.

Revised 5/31/02