Middle School Student Adjusts

Karen, a middle school student in our after-school program, came from Mexico in 2004 leaving behind her mother and three sisters. Life has had it ups and downs in America, but the Canal Alliance programs have helped Karen learn English and adjust in school.

Karen, middle school student

Being a teenager is difficult enough - but imagine also trying to learn a new language, making all new friends, missing your family, and knowing that your family is struggling financially. Karen knows, though, why she's here. “To be an immigrant is hard because they have to suffer for many things. Immigrants dream of an easier life that has all the opportunities like a good school and good jobs.”

With support from Canal Alliance and a group of peers and teachers who understand what she's going through, Karen now has the confidence to dream big - and to make those dreams come true. “I would like to finish my schooling and work very hard. I would like to be a lawyer to help people with their problems. These are my dreams.”