Jennifer Zenteno’s Life Changed Direction after Participating in LAA Programs

Now a college student, Jennifer Zenteno looks back and sees how her involvement with the LAA changed the direction of her life.  “I wasn’t planning on going to college, I was just planning to graduate and maybe get a job… do whatever,” explained Jennifer. “I was hanging out with a group of people that were not motivated.  They didn’t have plans to go to school and I was the same way.”

Then, Jennifer got involved with the Latin American Association. She participated in the LAA’s former ballet program, attended the Latino Youth Leadership Conference two years, and later volunteered at the youth summer academic program.

“I remember that during the Youth Conference the keynote speaker talked about his struggles as a high school student, but he turned his life around and now he is a professor. He inspired us to keep going and never give up,” she said.

Jennifer sees her experiences at the LAA as a true turning point in her life.  “After I participated in the LAA’s programs, I learned the importance of higher education. I became motivated to go to college… I made new and different friends, and going to college was a priority. Now I am a student at Kennesaw State University and I plan to get a PhD.  I want to work in the geriatrics field.”

Jennifer is now a student leader, a role-model for other students, and is still involved with the LAA. She volunteered at the 12^th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference held at Emory University Nov. 5, 2011.

 “It felt good volunteering at the Youth Conference this year,” said Jennifer. “I was able to give back and help inspire kids to continue with their educations, the same way I was inspired.”

Catalina’s Light Shines during Summer Academic Program

Not only did Catalina Valdez improve academically this summer, but she blossomed as a student leader and began a journey of self-discovery.

Previously, Catalina struggled in math at school, and often was frustrated with her assignments. “I was in accelerated math but I always got confused, and I would say to myself ‘what are we doing, what are we doing?’,” she explained. But at the LAA’s summer program, she found the extra helping hand she needed to improve in the challenging subject. There, students participated in interactive learning activities, such as using M&Ms to practice dividing fractions.

“Summer camp is making a difference in my life because I get help in math,” said Catalina. “Math is not my strong subject, so when I get back to school I’ll be ready. Here I get the help I need. In these classes the teacher interacts with us and helps us with whatever we need. ”

Students also discussed topics such as self-identity and leadership. “My favorite was the end of program project because we showed our peers what describes us and who we are,” said Catalina. “And that’s really fun because at the end we all found out who we really were.”

Moving forward Catalina will be one of the first 45 participants in the LAA’s newly redesigned academic program which will track individual student performance from middle school through high school and the completion of college. The initiative will address holistic youth development and focus on core academics, civic engagement, mentoring, the arts, athletic activities, and career and college awareness and readiness.

Catalina will also serve on the youth advisory committee for the 12th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference, expressing her thoughts and ideas about how other students can be empowered and inspired to continue their education.

“Our youth initiatives are designed to empower Latino students to believe in their full potential. We are very proud of Catalina’s accomplishments and look forward to seeing her grow as a student, attend college and achieve her dreams,” said Isabel Perez, managing director of youth academic achievement.

Carlos Pano Takes Important Step to Achieving Higher Education through the LAA's English Classes

As a teenager in Mexico, Carlos Pano was unable to finish high school.  His family struggled economically and needed Carlos to lend a helping hand. Now twenty-two and living in Atlanta, Carlos is determined to finish his high school education and pursue a college degree. He is taking the first step toward this goal by attending the Latin American Association’s English classes.

Carlos is a young adult who has faced many obstacles in his life. After journeying to the U.S., a place with very different customs, he faced loneliness, frustrating language barriers, a lack of support for his desire to learn English, and the challenge of supporting his mother who is very sick. 

In spite of this, Carlos signed up for English classes at the LAA, and after studying three levels, he is considered one of the LAA’s brightest students.

 “Carlos is an all-around good student because of his enthusiasm, interest and ability to interact in a positive way with his classmates,” said Elizabeth Holtam, one of his teachers. “I even consider him a teacher’s assistant because he is so helpful to his classmates in their efforts to learn English.”

Carlos certainly gains a lot from class, and he enjoys being in an environment with other language learners from across Latin America who are practicing and improving together.

“In class we are learning grammar, reading, writing and conversation,” explained Carlos. “Before I felt frustrated when I couldn’t communicate in English. Now I am able to understand and communicate effectively. Even if I pronounce something wrong, it doesn’t matter. I just keep practicing and learning.”

Carlos believes that learning English at the LAA is an important step in achieving his future goals. After mastering English, Jose plans to learn Italian or Portuguese; achieve his high school diploma and later graduate from college with a degree in art, music or culinary arts.

In the LAA's After School Program, Eric Larrumbe Found the Key to Achieving his Goals: Education

Eric Larrumbe is a fifth grader who is full of hope and big dreams, but at a young age he already understands that education will help him achieve. Eric is a first-time participant in the Latin American Association's ¡Inspira! after school program at Woodward Elementary where he enjoys activities such as reading, math, science, sports, art, and dance. According to the 11-year-old, the program helps him do better in school and will also help him reach his goal to become a professional soccer player.

The after school program gives students the opportunity to take part in structured academic activities that seek to close the achievement gap for Latinos, and for Eric, the program works. "Since I started this program I have improved my multiplication skills," he said. "Before I came here it was hard. I was not able to do multiplication well, but now it is a lot easier."

Not only does the program strengthen Eric's academic performance, but participating in soccer and dancing helps him stay physically fit. And, even though dancing is the most challenging activity for Eric, he appreciates the benefits. "Dancing is good because it helps you stay healthy and is a way to exercise," he said. "Also, my coordination has improved and I've gotten a lot better at the dance moves!"

Eric wants to be a professional soccer player when he grows up and, according to him, the after school program will definitely help him achieve this goal. "This program has helped me get smarter, and you need to be smart to be a professional soccer player," he explained. "You have to know about distance and angles, so what we are learning in math will help me become a better player."

This young boy has promising aspirations, and is motivated to continue learning and participating in the program. "I have had the most fun experience at this program and I will ask my parents to sign me up again next year," he said. Eric is sure the LAA's after school program will not only help him be successful in future grades, but it will also bring him a step closer to fulfilling his dream of one day being a famous soccer player.

INSPIRA! Summer Camp Shows Patrick, Dylan and Jose a World of Opportunities

At Inspira! summer camp Patrick, Dylan and Jose discovered a new world of science, math, fun activities, and inspiration to succeed in the future. The three boys, along with around 300 other youth participated in weekly field trips, hands-on instruction in math and science, daily physical activity and enrichment activities such as visual arts, dance and drama.

The LAA’s INSPIRA! summer camp is a four-week math and science program for children in the first through seventh grade. The summer camp is part of the LAA’s overall INSPIRA! youth initiative, designed to improve academic achievement.

The LAA camp experience is not like an ordinary summer camp. “INSPIRA! is an enrichment program that helps youth achieve their aspirations for academic success,” said Letycia Pastrana, managing director of community relations and development at the LAA. “Children enjoy interactive projects and have fun while they are learning.”

My family is stronger thanks to the Latin American Association!

When Sara Camarena first walked through the doors of the Latin American Association’s Norcross Outreach Center, she knew she had found a safe harbor for her and her family. Becoming a better parent and building a closer relationship with her son were extremely important goals for the mother from Mexico. The programs she discovered at the LAA allowed her to accomplish both.

Motivated by a desire create strong family bonds, Sara joined parenting classes at the LAA, and for the past two years has enrolled her 8-year-old son, Adolfo, in the LAA’s ¡Inspira! summer camp.

“I have become a better person because of the classes I took at the LAA,” Sara said. “They have helped me to be more relaxed and remain optimistic that we can find solutions to problems we have had as a family. Before, I didn’t see things clearly, but now my horizons have broadened. I see that I can grow together with my son, and I understand the stages of growth that children go through.”

Sara has particularly enjoyed the peace-of-mind that her son’s involvement with the LAA’s summer camp has given her. “Knowing that my son is in a safe place and is learning has helped me feel in control of my family situation,” she said. “Since we don’t have family here, it is a great help to know that the LAA is there to provide friendly support.”

To Sara, the LAA has been a resource that has helped her keep moving forward, learn new things, and maintain a positive attitude. “I see that it is a matter of positive thinking- that, yes, I can be a good mother,” said Sara. “There is so much to learn in the LAA’s programs, and in the future I look forward to learning English and discovering new classes. And of course I will keep bringing my son to summer camp! In the future I see him becoming a volunteer at the LAA.”

Yo Logré encontrar el trabajo de mis sueños con la Asociación Latinoamericana!

Meet Orquidea Lulo, a 49-year-old who came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic in search of a better life for herself and her family.  With little English and no work experience in the U.S., Orquidea took a job working for tips as a delivery driver for Pizza Hut.  Her meager earnings made it difficult to make ends meet for her family, and she wondered how she would provide for them in the way that would lead to success in a new country.  When she heard on the radio about a special landscaping training program offered by the LAA’s employment services, Orquidea was excited about the possibilities.  

The 49-year-old’s love of plants started in the Dominican Republic where she had extensive experience with gardening through work and her own personal garden.  After moving to Atlanta, however, Orquidea was not able to match her skills and experience with steady work. She immediately contacted the program coordinator with hopes of better employment that she so desperately needed.

The landscape training program is part of the LAA’s larger Transitional Employment Program, which also includes construction training, nanny training and substitute teacher training. The goal of the transitional employment program is to help jobseekers who are having difficulty finding sustainable employment increase their skills and consequently, secure and maintain a stable job while providing them a path toward upward mobility.

In the LAA’s four-week landscaping training course, offered in collaboration with the University of Georgia, Orquidea was able to build on the skills and interests she already had. Along with fellow program participants, she visited various landscaping companies and nurseries, learned new landscaping skills, improved her English through classes, and received certification in pesticide distribution. Orquidea also received several credits that allowed her to continue her training with the University of Georgia. 

After graduating from the program, Orquidea applied for a job with Lowe’s. Her application fell into the hands of a manager who had attended her graduation ceremony at the LAA. Already familiar with her skills, he immediately hired her.

“I am so proud of Orquidea and happy for her success,” says Marlen Ruiz, Career Counselor at the Latin American Association. “She is now working close to home and is very happy.  In addition, there are possibilities for advancement! She does what she loves every day and feels that the investment she made with the LAA’s transitional employment program has more than paid her back.”

I found a job that changed my life thanks to the Latin American Association!

Dennise Cacho visited the employment department at the Latin American Association's Atlanta Outreach Center for what she thought was simply drop off her resume. Instead the 30 year old from Puerto Rico walked out with an interview opportunity at State Farm Insurance Company. A week later she landed the job as an insurance agent.

This unexpected change in Dennise's life has not only opened doors for her professionally, but it has lifted her spirits and made a very positive impact in her life. She is now able to enjoy life to the fullest and spend more time with her family.

"Before I found out about the services offered at the LAA, I was very unhappy with my job. I was working different hours every day, which made spending time with my family very difficult," said Dennise. " Also, I didn't feel challenged at work and had little opportunity to grow professionally."

After attending the LAA's State Farm interview session and through building positive relationships with LAA staff such as Eliezer and Irma, Dennise was able to make great progress from a job she felt was holding her back, to a career that lets her truly succeed.

"What I thought would just be a job became a career," said Dennise. "The LAA's services exceeded all of my expectations and thanks to them I have become a very successful person. I have found a career that I really love and that allows me to help people."

Now Dennise makes an impact in the lives of many other Latinos in Atlanta with the expertise she gained at State Farm Insurance. She educates Atlanta's Hispanic community by teaching classes and seminars at the LAA focused on the importance of auto, home and life insurance.

"The most important thing is that I now have the opportunity to help by sharing my knowledge with our Hispanic community," said Dennise. "My favorite experience at the LAA is being able to talk to people about the importance of insurance. I help answer many people's questions and that makes me feel valuable."

Laughter, camaraderie, and support for one another characterize the friendship of 8-year-old Imanol and 9-year-old Migger who became fast friends in the Latin American Association’s after school program at Woodward Elementary School. The two students truly found a place to belong in the program and experienced amazing opportunities to learn, improve and be active.

“At the beginning, both Migger and Imanol struggled a lot with English. But, after participating in the program, we have seen incredible improvements,” explained Meghan Borin, their language arts teacher at Woodward Elementary School. “Imanol’s achievements are especially awesome because he just arrived from Mexico this year. I am so proud of them. Both are now reading independently, can read out loud and their vocabulary has expanded a great deal.”

Migger’s strong desire to learn and achieve is evident when she talks about her experiences in the program. The students take tutorials where they work on listening skills and reading comprehension.

“I like to be here. Its fun and I enjoy doing whatever the teacher asks us to do,” said Migger. “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor, a teacher or an artist. Being here will help me because I learn a lot from the teachers. I can listen and learn.”

Students also participate in art, soccer, tennis, dance, and nutritional activities. They are physically active, but remain academically engaged without even knowing it. Art classes have sparked a desire in Imanol to use his creativity and become an artist. “I want to be an artist when I grow up. Drawing is my favorite activity.” said Imanol, “I like to draw things to remember Mexico, like the flag.”

 “I like the dancing,” added Migger, with a smile. “My favorite day in the program was the day we looked at pictures of dancers, and then copied the same pose with our bodies.”