I was born in Senegal. I had four brothers and three sisters, a mother, and a father. We lived in a village and had no running water or electricity. Our house was made of wood and grass. We had rooms inside. My parents raised cows, donkeys, horses, and chickens. We also had three dogs. It was very pretty where I lived. I helped my family with the farm and I never went to school.

I came to the United States with my husband and my children about sixteen years ago. My husband, John, was a Peace Corps volunteer and I met him in Senegal. We got married in Africa and have four children. When I came to the United States I settled in Millbury, Massachusetts, my husband’s home. I liked it here but I couldn’t speak English. I spoke Peuhlar, an African language. My husband and children also spoke Peuhlar, so in the home I had no trouble. But outside the home it was very difficult. I missed my country a lot. I still do!

In 2001, I started ESL classes at the Worcester Adult Learning Center. My classes were very hard. Many students knew more English than I did. I always felt good, though, and I was never discouraged. I practiced my English at home and slowly my family stopped speaking my native language to me. I learned to speak English well enough to join the ABE class.

In August 2002, I started learning how to read and write. I’m in the ABE class and Kathy McKee is my teacher. I’m beginning to learn how to read sight words and sounds. It’s very difficult because there are so many new things to remember. But I am enjoying it. I also write some small sentences and feel really good about it.

I am planning to continue my class as long as I can. I love to learn new words, their meanings, and how to use them. Kathy and the students help me all the time. We have a great group! Learning English has made me feel better about myself. I feel I can do more by myself. Kathy says I am a hard worker. Well, I love the work!

Coumba Dia is from Senegal. She is a wife and mother. She is a very enthusiastic learner. She works part time in the home health care field. She is an ABE student at the Worcester Adult Learning Center.

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