This week, we're celebrating Adult Education & Family Literacy Week by sharing the stories of Worcester County adults who made a decision that can take tremendous courage: they decided to keep learning.
For some, Adult Education means learning English. For others, it's earning a GED, becoming a U.S. citizen, preparing for college, or opening the door to a new career. But behind every credential is something even bigger: confidence, opportunity and a new chapter.
Below, we'll introduce you to several members of our Adult Education community and let their stories show you why this work matters. Because education doesn't have an expiration date—and neither do our dreams.
Meet Oksana Kravchuk
Originally from Ukraine, Oksana Kravchuk joined our Adult Education ESL program in September 2024 with the goal of improving her English, finding a better job, and building connections within her community.
Like many English language learners, Oksana's journey came with challenges. When she first started classes, she felt intimidated because many of the other students were more advanced in English. However, coming to class regularly she found a supportive teacher and welcoming classmates who helped her grow in both her language skills and her confidence.
Through the ESL program, Oksana has gained valuable English language skills, met new people, and become much more comfortable communicating with English speakers. She says the program has helped her achieve an important personal goal—being able to connect with others. As someone who enjoys meeting and talking with people, learning English has opened doors that once felt out of reach.
Looking ahead, Oksana plans to continue improving her English and hopes to find a new job. She is proud of how much more confident she has become since beginning the program.
Oksana encourages others who are considering Adult Education to take the first step. She shares, "Don't be afraid or hesitate to attend. The teachers are kind, friendly, and always ready to help. Every class feels welcoming, and you should never stop learning after reaching one goal. Keep moving forward."
We are proud of Oksana's hard work and determination and look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the future.
Meet Maira Yanet Diepold
Originally from Mexico, Maira Yanet Diepold joined our Adult Education program with one goal in mind—to create a better future through education. Over the past five years, she has participated in our ESL, GED, and Citizenship programs, taking every opportunity to learn and grow.
Maira's hard work and determination have led to many accomplishments. Through Adult Education, she earned her U.S. Citizenship, completed her GED, and in 2025, passed the ParaPro Assessment, allowing her to begin a career as an Educational Assistant. These achievements have opened new doors and put her on a career path she is passionate about.
For Maira, the program has been life changing. She says it has helped her feel more confident in herself and has given her the opportunity to pursue a career in education. She is especially proud of being able to read, write, and speak English with confidence, allowing her to communicate without fear and feel like she can fully contribute to her community.
Looking ahead, Maira hopes to continue her education and become a certified teacher or pursue other opportunities in the education field. Inspired by the teachers who supported her throughout her journey, she now hopes to make the same positive impact on others.
Maira encourages anyone considering Adult Education to believe in themselves and take the first step. She shares, "The only person who can stop us from doing what we want to do is ourselves. Tell yourself that you can do it if you truly want to. Sometimes it can be hard, but it's never impossible. If others can succeed, so can you."
Maira's journey is a wonderful example of how determination, perseverance, and education can transform lives. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to seeing her continue to inspire others as she pursues her dream of becoming a teacher.
Meet Tita Bermudez
We are so proud to celebrate Tita Bermudez and all that she has accomplished!
Tita first joined our Adult Education program in 2018, when she passed her Social Studies and Science GED® tests. After taking a break due to personal challenges, she returned in 2025 with a renewed determination to finish what she had started and reach her goal of becoming a high school graduate.
Originally from Mexico, Tita came to the United States at 33 and began building a new life. Before coming to the U.S., she worked as an Industrial and Systems Engineer. Today, she works at Hoppers and Pancho & Lefty’s while also running her own cleaning business. Her dedication, perseverance, and strong work ethic continue to shine in everything she does.
Tita’s journey is a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to go after your goals. Sometimes the path may take longer than expected, but what matters is continuing to move forward.
We are honored to have been part of Tita’s journey and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes next! Congratulations, Tita!
Meet Ylianfer Otazo Paez
This Adult Education Week, we are celebrating Ylianfer Otazo Paez and her incredible journey of perseverance, growth, and achievement!
Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Ylianfer began her journey in Adult Education by learning English and setting a goal to improve her vocabulary and fluency. She started with ESL and eventually transitioned to the GED® program, spending about three years working toward her goals.
Along the way, Ylianfer earned her GED® diploma, built lasting friendships, and met teachers and staff who made a meaningful impact on her life. She says the experience gave her much more than another language—it gave her beautiful moments, friends, and wonderful people who are still part of her life.
Her hard work also opened new doors professionally. Through the program, Ylianfer had the opportunity to work with the Worcester County Board of Education as an ESP at Cedar Chapel Special School. She is now looking ahead to pursuing a master’s degree.
One of her proudest accomplishments has been becoming fluent enough in English to communicate confidently with people from all backgrounds and accents. She now helps others translate, handles her own paperwork and appointments, and even completed her immigration documents independently.
And Ylianfer isn't done dreaming! Her long-term dream is to become the conductor of a large symphonic chorus in Ocean City, inspired by the beautiful choral traditions of Venezuela.
Her advice to other adult learners is simple:
“Keep working on your dreams and never give up. One day you will get it, and you won’t regret it.”
Ylianfer, we are so proud of everything you have accomplished and excited to see where your dreams take you next!
Congratulations, Ylianfer! Your story is an inspiration to so many of our adult learners.
Meet Xavier Ramírez Anchundia
Originally from Ecuador, Xavier joined our Adult Education program in September 2025 with a goal of improving his English and becoming more confident communicating with people in his community.
Since joining the program, Xavier has worked hard to strengthen his speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. He has expanded his vocabulary, learned how to communicate more comfortably in everyday situations, and has seen his confidence grow along the way.
Xavier says he is most proud of himself for taking the first step and continuing to learn. Learning a new language is not easy, but he has stayed motivated and continued working toward his goals. He is excited to keep improving his English and hopes that his skills will lead to greater opportunities in both his personal and professional life.
His advice to others who may be thinking about joining Adult Education is simple: “Don’t be afraid to start. It is never too late to learn.”
We are so proud of Xavier and the progress he has made! We look forward to watching him continue to learn, grow, and reach his goals!
Meet Diane Nitza Escalona
Diane started her Adult Education journey in 2020 with a goal of improving her English after spending 22 years living in Mexico. She is now continuing her education by working toward her GED.
Since joining the program, Diane has made incredible progress in her English speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and math skills. Most importantly, she has gained confidence and skills that have helped her both at work and in everyday life.
Diane is proud of how far she has come and is continuing to work hard toward her next goal: earning her GED and pursuing a career at WorWic Community College.
Her advice to anyone considering Adult Education? “Your life is going to change and become better. Always listen to your teachers and do your homework.”
We are so proud of Diane and all the hard work she has put into reaching her goals!