ESL student gets support to pursue the American dream
Rafid Alyassiry has come a long way since leaving Iraq for the United States in July 2012.
The 36-year-old has not only learned English, he’s teaching the language to his two brothers and little sister, who have since moved to the U.S. Next year he also plans on applying for a master’s program at California State University, Sacramento.
None of this would be possible without his time in the ESL program at Twin Rivers Adult School, which gave Alyassiry the skills and — perhaps, more importantly — the confidence to further his education and career goals in a new country.
“Twin Rivers [Adult School] gave me good support in terms of job search and networking, besides the moral support I found there.”
Rafid Alyassiry, Adult Education Student
“Twin Rivers [Adult School] gave me good support in terms of job search and networking, besides the moral support I found there,” he says. “I was less concerned with the future and job search when I was studying there.”
During his time at Twin Rivers, Alyassiry showed plenty of drive himself, excelling in classes and borrowing books from his teacher to get extra English practice. He also sought jobs that would help him support his family — he even landed a temporary position with Apple Computers.
In war-torn Iraq, where Alyassiry earned a science degree back in 2001, jobs were scarce. He says his native country was unstable and violent. He doesn’t take America, or his opportunity here, for granted.
“America is exactly how I expected it to be — everything is in order,” says Alyassiry. “The freedom in America makes everything easier — I can get a job that is not necessarily the one I like but still make my basic needs affordable. I can also pursue my higher education, and the utilities and services are provided over all levels.”
He says he likes the diversity of his new country as well.
“All the traditions are here, all the cultures — including mine,” he says.
Alyassiry won’t be eligible to apply for the master’s program until next year. In the meantime, he’s working a security job, as well as working on a book detailing the effects of religion in Iraq. In the process of writing, Alyassiry is also explaining his book to his siblings in English in an effort to improve their language skills — his two brothers are also currently attending Twin Rivers Adult School.
Alyassiry’s ultimate goal, he says, is to be a scientific researcher. He also wants to start his own business in order to give his family the chance to support themselves.
Alyassiry knows the path he’s chosen won’t be a short or effortless one. But he says he’s grateful to Twin Rivers Adult School for helping him take the first step toward achieving his dreams.
For more information, visit www.capitaladulted.org.
Written by Mark Lore
| Regions | Classes |
|---|---|
| Northern California | English as a Second Language |
