A Chinese immigrant’s ESL studies help him obtain U.S. citizenship
When Zhenyou Liu relocated from China to the United States in 2015, he obtained a green card and set out on a path to U.S. citizenship. Because of his difficulties with English, however, he struggled to answer the immigration officer’s questions during the citizenship test and failed on his first attempt. With that setback, Liu realized he needed to take his English as a second language studies seriously.
Soon, he enrolled in Fontana Adult School’s [FAS] citizenship preparation class, which included ESL lessons.
“Through my nearly eight months of study I have officially become a U.S. citizen,” Liu says. “I am very grateful to my teacher, Ms. Browning, and other teaching assistants and volunteers for their help. They are very serious, responsible, and caring.
Liu’s desire to immigrate lies in his belief that the U.S. places a greater emphasis on innovation while also attaching importance to talent. Now, he wants to pass this opportunity on to his own children.
“The classroom atmosphere is lively and humane.”
Zhenyou Liu, Citizenship Student, Fontana Adult School
“I hope they can receive education and study in the United States,” Liu says.
Liu’s field of specialty is in cutting-edge applied research on the internet, specifically BlockChain and internet finance, and he says that the language skills that he learned at FAS have allowed his horizons to broaden.
“I have been exposed to more cutting-edge information, and I have met more outstanding people,” Liu says. “I have the foundation to further study English and other courses.”
For others considering enrolling at FAS for ESL studies, Liu advises that they regularly attend classes and practice speaking their new language as often as possible.
“Participate more in course interactions with teachers and classmates, and interact in English,” Liu says. “Speak English boldly, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes.”
To this point, Fontana’s instructors make for a welcoming environment.
“No one will laugh at you,” Liu says.
And, he adds, the learning should continue beyond the classroom.
“[Continue to] speak English and recite the knowledge learned in class, such as knowledge about the naturalization exam,” he says.
For Liu, the experience and knowledge gained at FAS was invaluable. Throughout the class, he felt respected and valued, thanks to the instructors who showed him they cared about his overall well-being while also creating a nurturing learning environment.
“The classroom atmosphere is lively and humane,” Liu says.
His experience at FAS boosted his belief in his own capabilities.
“Through studying, I love learning and speaking English even more,” Liu says. “Because of my English expression, it makes it easier for me to integrate into American life, and at the same time, it improves my self-confidence.”
For more information on Fontana Adult School’s citizenship courses, visit www.fusd.net/adultschool
Written by Brett Callwood
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| Southern California | English as a Second Language |
