Personal Story
Today I am fifty years old and very independent. I
moved from New York City to Florida and so, I had to get
my driver’s license. You need to have a driver’s license
when you live in Florida. Wow! I couldn’t believe that
having a driver’s license would help me gain my
independence. I remember one of the first things that I did
was take a road trip to Miami with my daughters. I could
not believe that I did it, but I did. I have changed my way
of being and learned to trust my own instincts. I do for my
daughters and myself.
I am very proud of myself in what I have accomplished.
My change from ten years ago was a positive change. I
value my independence, unlike before. My life before my
independence was boring, because I always counted on
others to do things. Now I don’t have to. I can do whatever
I want, whenever I want and I don’t have to rely on anyone
but myself. In conclusion, my life has been very fulfilling. I
decided (on my own) to go back to school. I am very proud
of myself and what I have become. I have spoken to both of
my daughters about their independence and hope that they
gain their own, when the time is right.
Noemi Vasquez is a single mother of two, Arielle 22 and Brieanna 16.
She attends the SW Florida Works Adult Learning Center and her
teacher is Ms. Susan Chastain.
Personal Story
When I was child I wanted to make all my dreams
become a reality. I remember that my father wanted me to
be a teacher in my country but when my father died my life
changed. I remember the day when I saw my mother in
tears because she was out of money even when she was
working from 5am to 7 pm every day. The money was not
enough to support my other 2 brothers, her, and me. I saw
her suffering more than the soul can hold. I promised her
that I would come here, work hard, offer her a better life
and reward her for all the sacrifices that she made for me
and my brothers.