Mensure Polat, originally from Türkiye, embarked on her American journey facing significant barriers in pursuing a medical career.
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Mensure Polat’s journey from Türkiye to the United States is a story of resilience and determination. Facing the daunting challenges of adapting to a new country amid the pandemic, Mensure found her footing in the field of healthcare through the nurturing environment at San Mateo Adult School. It was here, in the fall of 2022, that she enrolled in the Intro to Healthcare Basics class and met Dianne Patel, an instructor who would greatly influence her career direction. Mensure speaks highly of the profound impact Ms. Patel had on her life, helping her to refresh her medical knowledge, learn about the U.S. healthcare system, and explore viable career opportunities. Her experience at the school not only provided her with crucial career guidance but also instilled a renewed confidence to pursue her goals aggressively. Today, Mensure is actively pursuing a career in healthcare, driven by a passion ignited during her formative days at the school and supported continuously by the community she found there.
Jennyfer Torres Kappler was studying Hospitality Management in College in Peru before immigrating to the United States in 2016. Upon arriving in California she enrolled in ESL classes at San Mateo Adult School.
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Jennyfer Torres Kappler was studying Hospitality Management in College in Peru before immigrating to the United States in 2016. Upon arriving in California she enrolled in ESL classes at San Mateo Adult School. Later she took classes at College of San Mateo and eventually joined the Upward Scholars program, all while holding down multiple jobs. Currently Jennyfer is studying Business Administration and Early Childhood Education at Skyline College. Jennfyer loves helping her community and is committed to making a positive impact. Her hard work is paying off and she is very excited to fulfill one of her dreams by opening her own daycare, Rainbow Corner Daycare, in San Bruno.
Read Jennyfer’s full story here. If you would like to support Jennyfer’s business, please consider purchasing an item on her wishlist here.
I am from Guatemala and moved to the United States as a teenager. My journey in the U.S. began with the invaluable support of SMACE, where I improved my English and embarked on a transformative educational path. Overcoming significant challenges, I have pursued a career in healthcare and am now studying Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at UC Santa Cruz, aiming to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor.
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I came to the United States from Guatemala during my formative teenage years—a challenging transition, especially for a young immigrant. The adaptation process was arduous, but without the support of SMACE, it would have taken much longer. I am deeply grateful to the SMACE team, as my educational journey in the U.S. started in their nurturing and supportive environment.
For the initial years, I took ESL classes and navigated the complexities of a new educational system at SMACE. Despite the hardships of adjusting to a new country, overcoming language barriers, and the struggles of financial limitations, SMACE provided a consistent place of safety, help, and encouragement. I believe SMACE plays a crucial role not only in helping immigrants like myself to improve their English but also in preparing us for higher education and professional careers, thereby fostering understanding and integration into American society.
SMACE also played a pivotal role in my academic and career development. It was through their encouragement and resources that I pursued my GED, and later, a scholarship opportunity that allowed me to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz. There, I am currently pursuing a double major in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and Cognitive Science, and a minor in Spanish Studies, aiming to become a competitive candidate for medical school. Through all these experiences, SMACE has been instrumental in transforming my life, providing me with the educational foundation necessary to achieve my dreams.
I am from Russia and arrived in the United States just before the pandemic in January 2020. My journey in the U.S. began with the invaluable support of SMACE, where I improved my English and discovered a new career path.
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I came to the United States from Russia just before the pandemic, in January 2020—a challenging time, especially for newcomers. The adaptation process was difficult, but it would have taken much longer without the support of SMACE. I am deeply grateful to the SMACE team, as my professional journey in the U.S. started in their safe and welcoming environment.
For two years, I took ESL classes and participated in the Student Ambassador Program at SMACE. Despite the hardships of the pandemic, ongoing global conflicts, and the struggles of adapting to a new life, SMACE provided a consistent place of safety, help, and positivity. I believe SMACE plays a crucial role not only in helping immigrants improve their English but also in building bridges between cultures, fostering understanding in American society.
SMACE also played a pivotal role in my career development. It was through their programs that I discovered the Culinary Arts program, which has since transformed my life. Completing this program provided me with a profession, a steady income, and the ability to support myself financially. Currently, I am furthering my education by enrolling in the Baking and Pastry program at San Francisco City College.
I am from the Ukraine. I’ve lived in the United States for 4 years.
ESL Morning All Skills Class/ Listening & Speaking / Professional Communications for Business and Beyond / Advanced Writing Class / ESL City Government Academy. Vice President, Student Ambassador, Gren Team member, volunteer.
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When I came to the USA, I could speak English well enough to shop and visit the doctor, but I could not have a discussion about anything more serious than the weather. I did not have any friends here, and I didn’t understand how things worked. The Adult School helped me improve my English and gave me a lot of knowledge about America and American culture. I met a lot of interesting people from different countries and now I have many friends in this country. As a member of the Green Team, I learned about environmental sustainability, the origins of wildfires, global heating, and possible mitigation measures. As a part of the Student Leadership program. I helped other students become a part of the community and learn a lot about the community and office work.
Since 2022 I have been working as an English Language Learner Specialist. I am proud to be a part of the SMACE team and work helping other newcomers to learn English and find themself in the community.
I am from China, and have been living in San Mateo, California since 2016. I started learning English from the High Intermediate level and graduated from San Mateo Adult School after I finished the High Advanced level. Currently, I am an Office Assistant at San Mateo Adult School.
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Studying at SMAS is a very important experience for me. SMAS is not only a place to learn English, but also a place to help new immigrants start a new life and make you feel like you belong.
The learning experience here makes me feel more confident and courageous. I started working
In the US as a teacher assistant in 2017, and I was a math teacher in an after-school program as well. In 2022, I got the great opportunity to start working at SMAS as I had expected. I am so proud of myself as a previous student, and I appreciate the help I have received from the teachers and staff.
Becoming a staff member from a student, I have seen the changes in the school, the increase in the number of students, the different types of teaching methods, the deepening of cooperation with communities, and the expansion of career training. I believe that more people will have opportunities for a better life studying at SMAS.
I’m from Panama and have been living in San Mateo California since February 2019. ESL High Advanced Listening & Speaking / Professional Communications for Business and Beyond / Advanced Writing Class / Student Ambassador and Volunteer.
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I have been part of the SMACE family since March 2019 when I started taking the High Advanced Listening & Speaking class, soon I became involved in school activities as a Student Ambassador, volunteered to work at the Smart Center, and became a volunteer at the Emergency Department at the Sutter Hospital in Burlingame as well.
San Mateo Adult School opened a world of opportunities for me, giving me the advantage of getting real work experience in the U.S. In the blink of an eye, I was working part-time as an Instructional Assistant for San Mateo Union High School District and after one year I got a full-time position as an Attendance Clerk at Capuchino High School. Since 2021 I’m proud to be the Front Desk Manager at the Adult School.
I’m from Argentina. I was an ESL student, part of the ESL City Government Academy, Secretary of the Student Council, Student Ambassador, and Volunteer.
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When I came to California from Buenos Aires (Argentina) with my husband because of his work, my English was very poor. English was always my weakness, but thanks to the San Mateo Adult School I was able to improve my English, gain self-confidence, and participate in many activities that SMACE offered. First, I was an ESL student, but then I became part of the ESL City Government Academy, secretary of the Student Council, student ambassador, and volunteer both in and out of school. Studying and volunteering at SMACE has helped me learn and get more involved in the San Mateo community, attend other courses in and out of school, enroll in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at College San Mateo, and volunteer at other events. Thanks to SMACE, I was able to discover how important and gratifying it is to volunteer and help others. I was able to find a sense of belonging.
I started with the Intro to Healthcare Basics which gave me a strong start and confidence to take the Clinical Medical Assistant Program. My instructors Heidi Carmen, Dianne Patel & Michael Walsh are outstanding, supportive, and firm.
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The classes set solid goals for succeeding and I enjoyed every part of my Class. With my NHA CCMA credentials, I was ready to take the Phlebotomy Technician Training Program of which I’m happy to say I am now dually credentialed and have a full-time job doing what I love. The staff at SMACE are ALL kind and helpful; with their guidance and support, I was able to complete my NHA and AMCA exams successfully.
There are many things that I like about San Mateo Adult School (SMAS). Students are placed in the right class for them according to their results of the placement test.
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Students can join different clubs and engage in social activities. There is an option for everybody. But what I absolutely love about SMAS is the diversity, not only from the students, but also the teachers and the administrative personnel at the SMART Center who provide excellent service and help and encourage students with all types of backgrounds.
The highlight for me has been working with the staff during the ESL registration/orientation; this is really challenging time for the staff.
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As a Student Ambassador, I am able to help the staff by helping new students become comfortable as new students, answering their many questions and assisting with keeping the process organized. If you would like to be involved in an office environment, would like to improve your English and would like to get to know and become closer to the lovely staff, than this is the program for you.
Thanks to Teacher Stephanie, I am finally able to start work as a volunteer at the San Mateo Senior Center.
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I work for the lunch program doing things such as table set up, arranging the food on the plates, serving dishes and more. Last semester, I took Stephanie’s “Eat Healthy Be Active” health classes. She took us to the San Mateo Senior Center on a field trip during the class. At that time I received some information about volunteering. Actually, I was worried whether or not I was good enough to start to do that because of my lack of English skills. On the other hand, I didn’t want to miss the chance to volunteer, so I pushed myself to apply for the opportunity and I got it! I believe that volunteering is the perfect opportunity to gain new skills and learn from the people who I meet, so I strongly recommend you to do it!
Jose Luis moved to the US from Guatemala. He attended San Mateo Adult School from 2008 to 2012, moving from low beginning to advanced level ESL.
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Thanks to the support and encouragement he found at SMAS, he moved on to the College of San Mateo where he majored in Digital Media and TV Production and received a Phi Theta Kappa Key scholarship. He graduated from CSM cum laude and was accepted to San Francisco State University. He worked at KCSM as a producer and host of “What’s Up, San Mateo.