Alumni

ESL Program

Year 2014

My name is Arely Saldana, and I am an MA student in the Psychological Science program at California State University Chico. I work as an Outreach Ambassador for the Adelante Postbaccalaureate Pipeline Program, which supports Latinx, low-income, and first-generation college students who want to pursue graduate school. I am also a research assistant at the Johnson Lab of Behavioral Economics at Chico State.

With so many experiences under my belt, it is hard to believe that I came to the United States less than ten years ago without any money or without being able to speak a word of English. I was only 18 and fresh out of high school when I left behind my tiny town in the Mexican mountain ranges to move to Visalia, CA, where I enrolled in ESL classes at VAS. I struggled. As a socially anxious teen, the idea of being in a room full of strangers speaking a language I did not understand was terrifying. Yet, that is precisely what I had to do. I attended VAS for a few months, and Instructor Motola recommended that I continue learning at the local community college. I will always be grateful for that suggestion. Thanks to the ESL classes at VAS, not only was I able to register for classes at the local community college, but I was also able to find a job as a student assistant on campus.

It has been several years since my story started. What has kept me going is the knowledge that I am paving the way for my little brother and sister, should they ever decide to follow in my steps. My advice to those who may be currently struggling or who might be looking into taking ESL classes at VAS is not to give up. Surprisingly, the hardest part is getting started, and if you start, you are already halfway there. In the beginning, it is difficult and frustrating to try to learn a new language, especially if, like me, you are struggling with social anxiety, financial problems, and even loneliness. But I promise, it does get easier, so long as you do not give up.

GED, Medical Assistant, Microsoft Excel, Google Basics and Certificated Nurse Assistant Program

Year 2022

There are many programs that I completed and participated in at the Visalia Adult School. I simply walked into the main office to ask questions and learned about all their programs. I started my experience at VAS in the GED program, from there I moved into the Medical Assistant program, Microsoft Excel, Google Basics and lastly Certificated Nurse Program in 2022. 

What I enjoyed the most about the programs at Visalia Adult School is that I was able to enjoy the experience and learn new things. I learned so much about health care. This is one of the reasons why if I had to pick my spirit animal, it would be a lion; I protect my family and the people I care for. 

My kids have the greatst impact on who I have become today. I want to show them that no matter what age you are and what your dreams may be, that with hard work and perseverance, you can accomplish anything you want. I want them to be proud of me and know that it was not easy working and going to school but that I never gave up on my goals.  My values are to be compassionate, respectful, honest and treat others as you wish to be treated. 

I want to thank Visalia Adult School for the programs they have and their AWESOME Teachers. Thank you for everything! Recently I got hired as a CNA at a hospital. I'm going to work, gain experience and work towards becoming a LVN or RN! 

For anyone interested in pursuing a program at VAS, just go for it. its never too late to start your education.

Spanish GED (High School Equivalency)

Year 2019

I found the GED program in Spanish by approaching the Visalia adult school. Honestly, what I enjoyed the most was meeting people with the same vision as me, since we were only looking to achieve our goal of being able to obtain our GED certificate. Even so, after being able to obtain this goal, the dreams did not stop there. I continued looking for opportunities to feel even more successful in my goals, my options were higher after obtaining my GED. I am a person of Faith and I consider my animal spirit to be like the eagles since I was born to fly high and even more so since God drives me. My children and wife are definitely the pillars that drive me to be a better person, since I want to set this example so that my children can see the goals they set for themselves can be achieved. The values ​​that mark my life are: Faith, Family and honesty. After graduating and obtaining my GED certificate, it gave me security and I felt able to choose what job I wanted to be in, since situations were no longer going to decide for me. To those who are reading this and are studying to get their GED to continue dreaming; The sky is the limit, set goals, live the opportunities that are presented to us and if one door closes there are 3 or 4 more open.

Traduccion Español 

El programa de GED en español lo encontré acercándome a preguntar en la escuela de adultos de Visalia. Honestamente lo que más disfruté fue encontrar personas con la misma visión que yo, ya que solamente buscábamos alcanzar nuestro objetivo el poder obtener nuestro certificado de GED. Aún así después de poder obtener este objetivo los sueños no quedaron ahí seguí buscando oportunidades paras sentirme aún más exitoso en mis objetivos, mis opciones fueran más altas teniendo de mi lado mi educación que acababa de concluir (Mi GED).  Soy una persona de Fe y mi espíritu animal lo considero como las águilas ya que nací para volar alto y más aún ya que Dios me impulsa. Definitivamente mis hijos y esposa son los pilares para impulsarme a ser mejor persona, ya que quiero poner este ejemplo para que mis hijos puedan ver que los objetivos que se propongan se pueden alcanzar. Los valores que marcan mi vida son: La Fe, La familia y honestidad. Después de egresar y obtener mi certificado de GED me dio seguridad y sentirme capaz de poder escoger en qué trabajo quería yo estar, ya las situaciones no iban nunca más a decidir por mi. Yo exhortó a cada unos de los que me puedan leer y están cursando para poder obtener su GED sigan soñando que el límite es el cielo, propónganse metas vivan las oportunidades que se nos presentan y si una puerta se cierra hay 3 o 4 más que se abren.