- May 15, 2025
- 10 mins story
My name is anonymous. I live in NYC. I came to America in 2013 from South Korea.
In spite of learning English for a long time in South Korea, I couldn't speak English.
But I have never thought I had to study English to live in America before. I thought that
working is the first to live in America.
And it looked like easy to live without language problem in the beginning in NYC.
As time goes by, I felt it is necessary to speak English. For example, when I go to government office, American grocery store, restaurant and talk with foreigners in everywhere. I had to use English.
It's very uncomfortable not to use English for my common living.
Furthermore, I applied for citizenship interview. I wanted to pass the citizenship test at once.
So I was looking for a place where I could learn English without fee.
Somebody introduced KCS to me. These are reasons why I joined an adult education class.
Story Chapters
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2. What has changed in your life since you started your adult education class? How has adult education helped to support your goals and plans for the future?00:00I have learned English for over 6 years at KCS adult class consecutively. I have experienced many changes since I studied adult English class. Before I couldn't speak English. I also couldn't understand what Americans said. So I always freaked out when somebody wanted to talk to me. I often avoid Americans. But now my English speaking and listening abilities get better than before. I can purchase things in American stores. Sometimes I can talk about my purpose why I am here in the government office. I also passed citizenship test at once. These days I can understand a little bit what they say in the news on You Tube. FurthermoreI have a new goal that I want to be a interpreter for Koreans who don't communicate with Americans in the business and other affairs. Somebody told me, " It's very difficult for you." I also fully agree with the opinion. But I think while I try to be an interpreter at least, my English ability will improve more and more. Even though I can't be an interpreter, having a goal makes me happy and meaningful. So I am going to attend the adult English class continuously. Keep learning something in adult class prevents me from dementia and gives me a pleasure that I communicate with other people.
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3. What do you think would be different about NY or the world if everyone had the opportunity and support to continue their education?00:00Most people want to learn to improve their lives as possible. In my opinion, the more people are educated, the more people are satisfied. At the same time the more learning makes people have chances to be considerate about the other people's difficulties. But many people to learn something don't have enough money. So if everyone had the opportunity and support to continue their education, they could improve their lives first. And then they can have a room to consider people in difficulties. Furthermore, they can help the others in difficulties in NY or the world. Obviously people in NY or the world would be getting happier and happier. If people felt happy, the criminals might disappear gradually. So I think everyone have to have the opportunity and support to continue their education.