At NFCC, we recently celebrated 15 students who graduated from NFCC’s English as a Second Language program at the end of the summer session. Kervin was among the students completing the program with a conversational fluency in English.
Kervin immigrated to the U.S. from Venezuela with limited English skills just two years ago, leaving behind his wife and son. He arrived as an Asylum Seeker and moved in with his brother in the North Fulton area. As Kervin settled into his new community, he learned about free English language classes at NFCC and was eager to sign up.
With a strong commitment to learning and a dedication to succeed, he moved quickly through the five class levels. Kervin even earned the nickname of “Google” in his class because he was always the first to raise his hand with an answer. Not long after his first session started, Kervin was hit by a car while riding his bike to class. With a broken collarbone and his arm in a sling, he was determined that his injuries wouldn’t keep him from class. He only missed a few classes before he healed enough to ride the bus.
The new language skills he has gained through his classes have helped him improve at work. He has a job at a car wash. At night, he has been a cook and bartender at a restaurant in Alpharetta. Speaking English helps him better communicate with staff and customers and has opened opportunities for advancement.
In addition to working and studying at NFCC, Kervin has been preparing for his asylum interview. He feels being able to answer questions in English will help him demonstrate his ability to assimilate and his commitment to his new life in the United States. After his status is official, he hopes to bring his wife and son to the U.S.
Kevin’s next goal is to open his own food truck business. Kervin was known at NFCC for the delicious Venezuelan dishes he would bring to class potlucks, and he wants to share his home country’s cuisine with more of his North Fulton neighbors.
His friends at NFCC are excited to follow Kervin in his next adventure and enjoy some of his tasty arepas!
