The dream of moving to the United States is often much harder to pursue than expected. Fengfeng was very excited about relocating from China to be with her family in the U.S. Her excitement quickly faded when the struggle to communicate in English zapped her enthusiasm.
“When I first come here, I feel confident, but when I go outside, try to shopping, buy some things, community …, I lose all confident because I can’t understand.”
Fengfeng started to isolate, shopped online and ran errands only in Chinatown. Realizing she needed support, Fengfeng came to The ILC, where she could pursue the life she dreamed of.
She discovered a supportive environment at The ILC to learn English and acquire practical life skills. “The topics are close to life,” she recalled, highlighting how she opened a bank account after completing lessons on banking and finance in The ILC English class.
With guidance from our education and career advisors, Fengfeng landed a cashier position at CVS. Just a month later, she was promoted to assistant manager.
The ILC advisors also helped her enroll in a college preparation course at Bunker Hill Community College as part of her ultimate goal of becoming a dental hygienist.
Diane Portnoy
Founder and CEO
The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.