Esther Carillo is one of Chatham Literacy’s dedicated students in the ESOL program. Married to Luis Aguila, another participant who recently became a naturalized citizen, Esther is also the proud mother of three children.
Over 20 years ago, she arrived from Mexico, and is now a naturalized citizen, thriving in her role at a local nonprofit while continuing her education at Chatham Literacy.
When Esther first arrived in the U.S., she worked at a local diner, where language barriers posed significant challenges. She recalls needing her coworkers to translate for her when interacting with customers. A memorable incident occurred when she mistakenly thought a group attending a funeral was celebrating a party. This experience motivated her to learn English, prompting her to join Chatham Literacy’s ESOL program in 2017.
The onset of the pandemic brought uncertainty, yet Esther recognized the importance of furthering her education during this time. With renewed determination, she committed herself to her studies under the guidance of her supportive tutors, Mark Zeringue and Gill Keelan. In her pursuit of learning, she has even embraced new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance her skills.
Thanks to her improved language skills, Esther transitioned from her diner job to become the Family Selection Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity in Pittsboro, NC. She expresses gratitude for the support she received: “I’ve learned so much here. Now I can call my doctor and my children’s teachers, make my own appointments, and I found a new job. I’m improving a lot. Chatham Literacy really helped me.”
Esther’s journey resonates with many who face similar challenges and seek to integrate into their communities. She encourages others contemplating learning English: “Anyone thinking about it should definitely go for it!” Reflecting on her experience, Esther shares, “I enjoy learning. There’s always something new to discover every day, and I want to keep learning more.”
As you reflect on Esther’s inspiring story, we invite you to consider how your support can help more learners like her thrive. Your contributions make stories like Esther’s possible. If you are inspired by her journey and want to help others achieve their educational goals, please consider making a donation to Chatham Literacy today. Together, we can continue to change lives through education!