Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe Student Profiles

Every student has unique learning needs and educational experiences.

Please meet three of our students.

English as a Second Language Student Snap Shot

Yolanda Contreras, a custodian at Santa Fe Community College, has taken full advantage of the opportunities to learn English through Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe. She has participated in group tutoring, one-on-one tutoring, and computer-assisted language instruction. Her overall goals included improving her reading, writing, and understanding of English; but her primary goal this year was to pass the U.S. citizenship exam. Yolanda prepared for the test by participating in a citizenship group, and she passed the test in April 2009! In the fall 2009, she was able to purchase a house near SFCC. Yolanda continues to improve her skills by taking classes through the Adult Basic Education department. She is a true example of a “lifelong learner.”

Yolanda’s photo is on the right side of the banner on the LVSF home page.

Basic Literacy Student Journals

I am Peter Aragon. I was at a 2nd to 3rd grade reading level when I started at LVSF. This program has not cost me a dime, only my time and determination to learn. I thank LVSF for all the help they provided for me. They have tutored me in my reading and writing skills, and without this program I would not be able to do many of the things I do now.

The tutors have brought up my vocabulary and helped me not be ashamed of my reading skills. They also have given me confidence to do what I need to do. My dream was to be a D.J – and that dream came true. I started as a DJ at KSFR 101.1 FM at Santa Fe Community College, and now I am at KSWV 810 AM , all thanks to LVSF and my tutors.

I promote this program on the radio, and other means of media. So I thank Literacy Volunteers of Santa Fe and Proliteracy for ALL that they have done for me. It is a whole New World out there, and we need to be encouraging people to learn to read. Reading is the key to freedom! .

My name is Victor Balderhausen. I was born in Albuquerque. I was in a good home, but I only went to school for four days out of the week. The neighborhood groups helped my mom to take care of us. I did not know much about my mom at the time. My mom took the bus to work everyday and would come home from work and take off again. That was 7 days a week. My mom was a LPN nurse. My sister would work at home.

About eight years ago, I could not read at all. My mom would say to me there is no limit on what I can do. I took my reading test and I am at 7th grade reading level now. I love LVSF and it's the key for my life.

For more information, please contact LVSF, 428-1353, lvsf@sfcc.edu.
Hablamos espanol.