Pictured: Sarah on the right with tutor Christine at the NYACCE award ceremony

We are so proud of our student, Sarah for being awarded with the NYACCE (New York Association for Continuing and Community Education) 2025 Student of the Year Award. Sarah joined Literacy Volunteers Capital Region in 2016 with limited formal instruction in English and a strong desire to improve her skills. Like many adult learners, her education had been shaped by life circumstances that required her to prioritize work and family responsibilities over traditional schooling. What she brought with her, however, was extensive practical experience, motivation, and persistence.

Sarah and her family arrived here from Burma, and actively sought learning opportunities. She began attending free classes at her local library and soon enrolled with Literacy Volunteers Capital Region, where she was matched with a tutor. Through one-to-one tutoring and small group classes, Sarah focused on reading, vocabulary development, pronunciation, and practical communication skills. She also participated in a language-based sewing class, which provided a supportive setting to practice English while connecting with others.

Over time, Sarah set a new educational goal: earning her high school equivalency diploma. She is currently enrolled in a GED progrm and attends computer and academic classes on a regular basis. Balancing education with work and family obligations remains challenging. Sarah works full-time, holds an additional part-time job, and is raising three children. When transportation became an obstacle, she took steps to address it by learning to drive and securing reliable transportation.

Sarah approaches her studies with determination and patience. She takes subject exams as she is able, showing steady improvement with each attempt. While language-based subjects require extra effort, she remains committed and continues working toward her diploma.

Professionally, Sarah is employed full-time as a kitchen aide at a local nursing home and works part-time in retail to support her family. She is exploring future career options in healthcare, business, and real estate—fields that align with her interests and experience. Inline image

Sarah’s learning has had a positive impact beyond the classroom. She regularly applies her growing skills to manage household responsibilities, navigate systems, and support her family. Her experience reflects the role adult education plays in building confidence, independence, and opportunity.

Sarah’s story illustrates how access to individualized instruction and supportive learning environments enables adult learners to make steady progress toward their goals. Through commitment and persistence, she continues to move forward—one step at a time.