A mother of two’s path from noncredit courses to jumpstarting a paralegal career
When Damaris Montoya landed her first job interview in Santa Maria, she was met not with opportunity, but a hard truth.
“I was looking for a job, but when I opened the door, they told me that I needed to speak English,” Montoya says.
That moment sparked something new for Montoya. In 2018, she enrolled in noncredit English as a second language classes at Allan Hancock College (AHC). Her goal was to learn English to help support her family after her husband was injured and had to step back from work. What began as a seed of necessity soon grew into future opportunities.
“I always tell them, if they take it serious, and if they want it, it’s difficult, but not impossible.”
Damaris Montoya, Student, Allan Hancock College
The adult education program offers noncredit community education courses that, in addition to ESL options, include classes that helps students work toward United States citizenship, computer basics as well as programs in commercial truck driving, foster care and more.
Montoya, a mother of two, with one in high school and another who just graduated elementary school, juggled her roles as a student, parent, wife and caretaker. Despite the full plate, she says she never felt alone. She says she also tells her children that, like her, they can achieve anything.
“I always tell them, if they take it serious, and if they want it, it’s difficult, but not impossible,” Montoya says.
Her greatest support, she adds, has always come from her husband, who even while recovering, was a consistent presence.
“I have different roles: mother, daughter, wife, student, but the whole time my husband supported me,” Montoya says. “He would help me review my assignments and homework.”
After completing her ESL courses, Montoya decided to take the next step. She enrolled in the school’s paralegal program in May.
“Now, I embrace my English,” Montoya says. “I need to practice more, but the classes help me communicate with people.”
Montoya says she hopes to continue practicing English so she can support her youngest son as he transitions into junior high, particularly with reading and writing. As for her own goals, she dreams of working in a law office or continuing her education to major in criminal justice.
Through it all, Montoya credits AHC not only for the knowledge she gained, but the confidence she found.
“It’s not impossible,” Montoya says. “You just need to want it.”
For more information on Allan Hancock College visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/
Written by Chris Woodard
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | English as a Second Language |
