Ana D. Molina

In 1994, a friend told me about CCNY's free ESL program for adults. I got interested; I could not speak English, so I enrolled. I was then 36. This program was very convenient for me because it was at night and it was close to where I was living in Manhattan. I did very well in my classes as an English student. I saw the possibility to keep going and pursue a career. I always dreamed of going to college and graduating. CCNY gave me that opportunity. I liked the classes, the buildings, everything. Some professors were very helpful. My favorite professor that I always remember was Anya Taylor, an English teacher. She was very dedicated and really looked at the students' work. She was very encouraging and helpful. She listened to your concerns and was very attentive. CCNY's ESL program was the best. They gave us a little bit of everything at that time. I really learned a lot. I learned how to speak English and I updated my math skills and writing techniques. I stayed there a lot of years, but it was worth it. CCNY opened for me the doors to keep moving and to learn more. It truly changed my life. I'm very grateful that I had the opportunity to accomplish a long-time goal.