MERCY LEARNING CENTER Educate a Woman...Educate a Family

A reflection by MLC GED graduate Sherome

I was born and raised in Jamaica by my mother who had nine children. In Jamaica, we had to pay for school — fees, books, and transportation. My mother could not afford to send all of us to school. I went to high school but did not graduate. I left school when I was 17. I came to the United States in 2006 and got a job with a temp agency. Then I got a permanent job at Bridgeport Fittings factory, but after two and a half years, I was laid off. Since my lifelong dream has always been to become a nurse, I knew I had to complete my high school education.

A friend of mine told me about Mercy Learning Center — a place where I could get my high school diploma. I registered and went into the Tutoring Program. I also enrolled in a Certified Nursing Assistant class at the same time.

The Tutoring Program was wonderful. I was placed with a tutor named Alice Card who helped me with my math, which was not my strong subject. She was always flexible and patient with me. I loved coming to Mercy Learning Center. Each time I walked in the door, I saw friendly faces and people who encouraged me.

At Mercy Learning Center, I was surrounded by people who really cared if I succeeded. They found the ways and means to help me reach my goal. In February 2010, I earned my CNA license and in June 2010, I earned my high school diploma.

For me, Mercy Learning Center has been a stepping stone – my goal was to get my citizenship, go to college, and become a nurse. I started at Housatonic Community College in January of 2011 and was placed on the Deans list my first semester. I have found that there is a lot of support for Mercy Learning Center students at the college. I am currently working towards my Associates degree in nursing at HCC. I also work fulltime as a personal care provider and I continue to be a fulltime single parent to my son and daughter.

I would not have been able to attend college without my high school diploma. My experience at Mercy Learning Center taught me to have a positive attitude. I know that positive things happened for me and can happen for everyone. I’m not saying that it has always been easy but I learned at Mercy Learning Center to never give up and that the sky is the limit if you work hard enough.

"Mercy Learning Center, My Home Away from Home"
2011 Essay Contest Grand Prize Award Winning Essay
Written by MLC Student Binti

My name is Binti. I came to America in 1998. I was not able to speak English. Soon after I arrived, I started working to support my family. But I became frustrated because I had problems understanding English and couldn't continue to work. Then I started thinking about going to school. I went to learn English at many schools for Adult Education. The Sheridan School and the International Institute were two, but no one understood me. So I gave up and I said, "I will never learn English."

One day I went to get a state ID and I had to sign my name. I signed it in Arabic. I felt horrible because, once again, I didn't know English. I saw that a person who couldn't read and write English is not going anywhere. Later, everything changed when I went to Mercy Learning Center. They were able to understand me and my needs as a student and as a person. The center is like a flowing river, it never stops and people always benefit. The staff was caring and they understood my problems. They gave me a tutor who knew how to teach me in a way I understood. Now I can read and write many things in English.

Another thing I learned was how to use the computer. In the computer class I learned to use English for All and Rosetta Stone. In order for me to use these programs, I had to learn how to sign in and sign out. Also, I learned how to check and send my emails. The center always teaches important things and knowing how to use the computer is an important tool at schools and jobs.

The center helped me in other ways too. When my daughter started college and was having a very hard time, she decided to withdraw. I became very worried. I didn't know what to do until I remembered the people at Mercy Learning Center. I talked with Jane Ferreira. She is so special and understanding. She told me everything would be okay. Jane talked with my daughter and told her, "You can't quit." Then the social worker went with my daughter to the college. My daughter was able to sign back in and return to class. Now my daughter is going to graduate in May. If the center did not help us with this problem, she wouldn't be able to finish school.

Mercy Learning Center continues to help me grow as a person and mother and helps my family so that we can always be successful. I am thankful and always want to give back. I volunteer to help at the center as much as they need me. The staff has become part of my family.

binti11



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