Hard Work and Perseverance Pay off for Transplanted Venezuelan Accountant
Rosa’s journey to the United States was born out of hope and determination. Originally from Venezuela, she left behind her career as an accountant and her life in a country where political and economic challenges were already impacting families like hers.
But Rosa’s decision to come to the U.S. was actually deeply personal: her oldest daughter has Down syndrome and Rosa sought opportunities for her that simply don’t exist in her native country. There, laws and services for people with special needs are practically nonexistent. Rosa wanted her daughter to feel valued, protected, and educated in ways unimaginable in Venezuela.
This commitment to her daughter’s future brought Rosa from Venezuela first to Florida, then to Midland, where her husband found a better job.
The move wasn’t easy. Rosa found herself in a new culture, unable to fully participate in the community around her due to the language barrier. She felt isolated and often alone, limited by her inability to communicate freely. “Without English,” she reflects, “I stay alone with no friends.”
Her desire to learn English grew stronger after a difficult experience at her daughter’s school. In a meeting filled with psychologists, teachers, and administrators, important decisions were being made about her daughter’s education and testing. Rosa was provided a translator, but the translator struggled with Spanish, leaving Rosa confused and frustrated.
“For me, when I start something, I finish it. My mom taught me that.”
“I was in tears afterward. That was the moment I realized I had to learn English.” From that point on, Rosa made it her mission to become fluent.
Learning English hasn’t been easy. As Rosa puts it, organizing past, present, and future tenses in her head is a challenge. But her resolve is strong, fueled by a deep desire to advocate for her daughter and communicate confidently.
“For me, when I start something, I finish it. My mom taught me that.” Her teachers at the Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center have also been instrumental in her journey, inspiring her by recognizing her progress.
“When they can understand me,” she says, “I know I can do better, and other people can understand me too.”
Her daughter continues to be one of her biggest motivations. Rosa wants her to feel safe, understood, and protected by her mom. She recalls a moment when her daughter was being teased on the playground. Thanks to her growing confidence in English, Rosa stepped in and advocated for her child. Her daughter’s smile was all the encouragement Rosa needed to keep going.
“I feel very good now. I can understand. With Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center, I have the tools I need.”
As her language skills have developed, Rosa has found greater independence in everyday life. She no longer needs to request a bilingual instructor at her daughter’s swimming lessons and she can chat directly with her ballet teacher. Running errands – from the post office to the pharmacy – has become an opportunity to connect with new people and her community rather than be an isolating experience. Her vocabulary has grown and now, instead of just a simple “Hi, good morning!” she says with confidence, “Hi, how’s it going?” then carries on conversations. “I feel very good now. I can understand. With Permian Basin Adult Literacy Center, I have the tools I need.”
Rosa dreams of reentering the workforce in a meaningful way. In Venezuela, she had a job in the oil and gas industry, but to return to that field in the U.S. requires not only English fluency but also an understanding of U.S. laws and systems. Though she isn’t certain if she’ll reclaim her accounting career, Rosa has found a way to contribute to her new community. She began working as a substitute teacher in the ESL program with Midland ISD, eventually becoming an assistant in English-speaking classrooms. This role aligns with her ultimate goal: to be involved in the U.S. education system and support her daughters’ future.
The support she has found at our literacy center has been invaluable. Rosa tried other programs, but they didn’t offer the flexibility or personalized attention she needed. “Honestly, I’m blessed that I was given information for your organization,” she says. “The schedule is flexible and adaptable to students’ needs.” The center offers a variety of learning opportunities, from conversation groups and group classes to one-on-one tutoring and online learning apps. “Instructors are step by step with the students. We are not alone.”
As Rosa continues on her path, she is proud of how far she has come and grateful for the confidence that’s grown within her. Her advice to other English learners is simple but powerful: “Focus on learning, don’t feel bad about making mistakes—it’s normal. Practice, talk, participate in class, do homework, and ask questions when you don’t understand.”
Rosa has proven that through hard work and perseverance, it’s possible to find a new voice, even in a new language, and create a brighter future for herself and her family.
