Connie Trujillo, a native of Mexico, arrived in Los Angeles in 2001 with a strong foundation in Spanish and a passion for Math and Science, leading her to a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Mexico. Her journey underscored the importance of mastering English, a crucial tool for her livelihood, and establishing a pathway to become an adult education instructor. Undeterred by language barriers, the following year, Trujillo, with the unwavering support of her husband, enrolled in the English As a Second Language (ESL) Program at Oxnard Adult School.
“It was difficult for me to complete my day-to-day tasks without learning English,” shares Trujillo. “I needed to learn English to communicate with my doctors and my son’s teachers to get a better job.”
Under the guidance of Oxnard Adult School ESL instructors, Trujillo learned basic English grammar, punctuation, and conversational skills. After completing the initial levels of the ESL Program, she secured a Property Management position with a mortgage broker who encouraged her to return to school.
“I needed to learn English to communicate with my doctors and my son’s teachers to get a better job.”
Connie Trujillo, Oxnard Adult School graduate and employee
Over the next few years, Trujillo pursued community college courses; however, she found the coursework demanding without the career counseling and support provided at Oxnard Adult School (OAS). After a brief hiatus, she returned to OAS to complete their ESL Program and enhance her fluency in English. Trujillo continued her education, and within a two-year period, she completed the U.S. citizenship program and received her citizenship certificate.
“I wasn’t fluent in English, so I needed additional support to achieve my goals,” says Trujillo. “Oxnard Adult School was instrumental in equipping me with the skills I needed to secure a better job.”
In 2013, upon receiving her high school certificate, Trujillo joined Oxnard Adult School as a part-time employee. Her dedication and hard work led to a promotion in 2015 as a Program Assistant in El Civics, a California English Literacy and Civics Education Program. Four years later, in 2019, Trujillo earned another promotion as a College and Career Center Technician, where she provided students with academic and career goals counseling. In 2021, Trujillo’s exceptional organizational and clerical skills earned her an Attendance Records Clerical Assistant position at Oxnard Adult School. Since then, Trujillo has also been attending education courses in pursuit of her adult education teaching credential.
Trujillo’s commitment to assisting underserved communities is unwavering. She is deeply invested in supporting disadvantaged students, and she has personally provided financial assistance to needy students.
“Sometimes, I cover the costs of books or the HiSET exams if they (students) cannot pay,” shares Trujillo. “I understand the struggle of not having enough money to fund your education.”
For more information, visit https://www.oxnardadulted.us/.
Written by Nicole Carr
| Regions | Classes |
|---|---|
| Southern California | English as a Second Language |
