"I feel bless because from I arrived to the USA my life change. All change when I began to study in the CNA (Center for New Americans). The most important thing was learn English for me. I love it. It's a new challenge, but I did it say myself! Now I feel comfortable with myself and very happy because I can speak with the people. And my thinking is "step by step". It's amazing, 37 years lived in Costa Rica and all those years never I had a lot opportunities like now than live in U.S.A. We bought a new house, my life is more relax now, I can study and work. I meet beautiful people. Thank you USA and CNA for all your support." Maricella
Intermediate-level student, Dan Wong, talks about what he has gained from CNA.
CNA Students: In Their Own Words
Robin Barber, poet and long-time 30 Poems in November! participant, interviewed Center for New Americans student Qiaofei Li at CNA’s program site in Amherst in November 2013.
The following is an excerpt from the poem he wrote about their conversation.
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Jenn's Story
Here there is more freedom. In Cambodia a woman must depend on a man for everything. I could not go anywhere by myself because it would be dangerous. Here I don’t have to depend on my parents or a man. There are services that are free. Like these English classes. I can learn English for free and that has helped me have even more freedom. When I first came here, I didn’t speak any English. It was very hard. When people talk you don’t understand and when you need to buy something you don’t know how to ask. I didn’t know what was happening around me. I felt like I was only one person in the world. Right now I understand a lot. I know what is happening in the outside world like news and accidents. CNA helped me in so many ways. Now I am not afraid to speak to you, make a phone call or apply for a job. My long goal is a GED diploma and after that I want to go to college and learn more.