New to the U.S. and the English language, a young woman from Mexico faces her challenges head-on to create opportunities for herself and her family
When Bertha left her home in Mexico 15 years ago, she had just taken the entrance exam for dental assistance program and was looking forward to the possibility of a rewarding career. But life brought her in a new direction when she and her husband moved to the United States. Leaving that ambition behind, Bertha faced not only a new country but a new language, which would shape her journey in ways she never anticipated.
In her early years in the U.S., living in Arkansas, Bertha faced obstacles and isolation in her day-to-day life. She didn’t speak English, and every interaction was a challenge. Soon after arriving, she became pregnant with her first child and faced the daunting task of navigating doctor appointments without understanding the language. Translators weren’t available, so her husband had to accompany her to explain and interpret medical instructions—a lifeline for Bertha as she faced the overwhelming fears of being a first-time mother in an unfamiliar system. “It was stressful,” she recalls, “I realized I needed to learn English.”
“At first, I was nervous to start classes. But PBALC’s program made me feel welcome and encouraged me to keep going.”
Motivated by this experience, Bertha began taking English classes in Arkansas, but balancing her studies with raising young children proved difficult. Later, after moving to Midland, she tried a couple of English programs but didn’t find the right fit—until she joined the Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center (PBALC). With small groups, online classes, and individual attention, PBALC felt like home. “At first, I was nervous to start classes,” Bertha shares. “But PBALC’s program made me feel welcome and encouraged me to keep going.”
For Bertha, learning English has had its challenges, especially when it comes to helping her children with their schoolwork. She recalls trying to check her daughter’s homework, only to hear, “You don’t understand.” But that’s changing. “Now, my daughter is surprised that I can understand stories and know the meaning of words,” she says, with pride in her voice. Her husband has been a constant source of motivation, always encouraging her to keep going, and her tutor, Irish, has made her learning experience enjoyable. “The time goes by so fast in our meetings because we’re having fun,” Bertha says. “Irish helps me practice my writing too.”
“Now, my daughter is surprised that I can understand stories and know the meaning of words,” she says, with pride in her voice.
Recently, her efforts and growth became unmistakable. One month ago, Bertha called a customer service line for a credit card issue and requested a Spanish speaker, but none were available. She decided to try it on her own. By the end of the call, she had successfully communicated everything without needing a translator. “When I finished the call, my husband said, ‘You did good! Everything you said was correct,’” Bertha recalls. “This made me feel good because I can really do it!”
Now, Bertha finds herself more confident in various situations—doctor’s appointments, stores, restaurants, and phone calls that once felt intimidating. She proudly says, “I feel more comfortable speaking!” With her children now older, she sees this as her time to practice and pursue her goals. Someday, Bertha hopes to begin a program in phlebotomy or as a dental assistant. “Here, it’s hard because of my language,” she admits, “but now I have the time, and I feel that soon I can do it.”
To anyone considering learning English, Bertha offers heartfelt advice: “Don’t be shy to take classes and practice.” With the help of PBALC, she’s built a new confidence and is eager to recommend the program to friends.