An immigrant learns English and finishes high school in pursuit of an aviation career
When Govind Lnu arrived in the United States from India, he faced a significant challenge: he didn’t speak English, so he followed in the footsteps of his older brother, who had taken English as a second language classes Fontana Adult School (FAS).
In 2023, Lnu enrolled in ESL courses at FAS just four years after his brother completed the same courses. That brother now runs his own business, thanks in part to learning English.
“It helped him succeed,” Lnu says.
After his brother advised him to follow suit, Lnu realized he needed to do so if wanted to improve his career options.
“When I came from India, I didn’t know anything in English,” Lnu says. “Even if somebody asked me my name, I didn’t know how to say it.
“At Fontana Adult School, I learned how to use computers and how to type. They also provided notebooks, books, pens and everything we needed. I loved it there.”
Govind Lnu, Graduate, Fontana Adult School
After six months of ESL classes, Lnu was encouraged by his teachers to enroll in FAS’s high school diploma program because he hadn’t finished high school in India, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The teachers motivated me and said, ‘You should do high school here,’” Lnu says. “I took their advice and started on my high school diploma. They taught me English and helped me graduate in June 2024.”
Lnu credits FAS not only because of the language skills he gained, but also for a newfound love for modern technology.
“In India, there’s no compulsory English language education, and we didn’t have computers in school,” Lnu says. “At Fontana Adult School, I learned how to use computers and to type. They also provided notebooks, books, pens and everything we needed. I loved it there.”
After graduating from FAS in June, Lnu enrolled at Chaffey College, where he is majoring in computer and information systems. He is also pursuing private pilot training and continuing with ESL courses to further perfect his English. His ongoing education has expanded his career options.
“My future plan is to go into aviation, but I also want to learn more about computers, that’s why I chose this major,” Lnu says.
Lnu hopes others may follow his path in the same way he followed his brother’s, and he offered this as advice:
“English is an international language, and it’s very important here to survive and communicate,” Lnu says. “At this school, you’ll learn computers, how to speak with people and how to live your life. They teach everything.”
To learn more about the Fontana Adult School, visit https://www.fusd.net/adultschool.
Written by Chris Woodard
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| Southern California | English as a Second Language – High School |
