A bilingual speaker hones her talents to find new educational and career options
When Lisbet Vera first walked through the doors of Fontana Adult School (FAS) in 2015, she was searching for a way to improve her life.
What began as an adventure to perfect her English turned into a journey that led her to earn a paraprofessional certification and secure a career in the field. Vera, who now works as an instructional bilingual aide for the Colton Unified School District, credits FAS for creating opportunities she didn’t think were available to her.
“Fontana Adult School gave me the opportunity to continue my education, to find success in life, personal and professional,” Vera says. “They opened the doors to me, they gave me the hand that I was looking for, they gave me the chance.”
In 2015, Vera enrolled in a paraprofessional class and a computer business applications course, both were required for her certification. Though it took her over a year to complete the program, she persevered, passing the three exams required for certification.
“I heard about the interpretation class, and asked myself, ‘Why not? Why not give myself the chance to learn more?”
Lisbet Vera, Graduate, Fontana Adult School
“I was able to finish both of them at a different time. I completed the computer business application pathway, and then two months after that I finished the paraprofessional class,” Vera says.
In 2020, Vera started working at FAS as a college tutor, a role that allowed her to give back to the community that supported her. She also took on translating duties where she translated for Spanish-speaking students seeking information about classes and pathways. This inspired her to enroll in an interpretation and translation class, which she completed in 2022.
“I was glad that they gave me the opportunity to be translating for those students while I was working in the front office,” Vera says. “I heard about the interpretation class, and asked myself, ‘Why not? Why not give myself the chance to learn more?’”
Now, as an instructional aide, Vera uses the skills and confidence she gained at FAS to support students at various schools in CUSD.
For those considering enrolling at FAS, Vera offers this advice:
“If you don’t believe in yourself, if you feel that you’re not comfortable doing hard things, you’re not going to be able to continue,” Vera says
To overcome that, she says, students should focus on their strengths and self-determination. There’s a path to success for everyone.
“It’s all about confidence and self-efficacy,” she says.
To learn more about the Fontana Adult School, visit https://www.fusd.net/adultschool.
Written by Chris Woodard
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| Southern California | Careers in Business-Technology – Careers in Education – English as a Second Language |
