English Program Graduation

by Johan Sirias Córdoba

One chapter ends and many more begin!

As a teacher, one of the most beautiful experiences is seeing my students' progress, from day one to the end of the program. Today, as this learning cycle concludes, I want to take a moment to reflect on the blessed, genuine, and wonderful experience of being an English teacher at FSM.

Above all, it's a way of seeing how God is so great! It’s wonderful to be able to communicate in a second language locally through the programs offered to the community of Bajo Tejares and surrounding areas. Currently, our English programs consist of six 14-week levels, and we already have our first class ready to become certified and graduate in a second language.

This program will undoubtedly mark a turning point for the English programs at FSM and for me as a teacher. We recently completed a journey of approximately two and a half years, filled with laughter and happiness, anger and stress when things were uphill, but above all, with enormous growth.

Although our programs initially began with more than 12 students, as we moved from one level to another, we saw that some students for one reason or another were unfortunately falling by the wayside. Although only a few continued in the process after just over a year, I always knew there was something special about those few who remained and that, with God's help, they were destined to succeed in the course.

Little by little, I witnessed how simple English words and vocabulary transformed into phrases that would later become dialogues and full conversations. Each of the graduating students has taken a giant step forward in their knowledge of the English language, and that's something to celebrate and certainly be proud of!

Without a doubt, Benjamín, Naidelyn, Bryan, and Carolain are opening the doors for new groups and the surrounding population to understand the value of a second language and how it's possible to achieve it thanks to the programs we offer at FSM. Thank you for your effort and dedication over the years. Although the course has ended, your journey in a second language is just beginning. My advice would be: be consistent as you have been, continue to surround yourself with the language, and never stop learning.

I also thank all those who make these programs possible here in Bajo Tejares. Hear what each of these graduates had to say about their experience:

Benjamín Centeno Arbizú

I want to thank you for the wonderful opportunity you gave me by being part of this course. My life changed from the first class. Every word, experience, and presentation helped me confront many fears that at the time I thought I would never overcome. Thank you for guiding me and for always being there, helping me in all areas of school and college. Now I and all my classmates have more opportunities to grow professionally and fulfill our dreams. I hope to continue attending this amazing place so I can put all my gifts to work and help others grow. FSM has helped me grow and shaped my character. Thank you so much.

Naidelyn Varela Zumbado

At first, the English course was very difficult for me, but during the process, I learned many things about the language that I can put into practice today. We must know that we have to work hard every day to achieve our goals. It has undoubtedly been a complicated but extraordinary experience, where I have shared many things with my classmates and we have learned from each other. Right now, we are close to graduating, and it is a very exciting time because learning English and putting it into practice was something I once thought was impossible, but with effort and dedication, it is now a reality. I would like to thank FSM for giving us the opportunity to participate in this course.

Bryan García Calvo

I first attended this English course about two and a half years ago. I was eager to learn and improve my English. I can truly say that I was in the right place. Now, I can self-assess and identify mistakes I made. Because Professor Johan pointed them out beforehand and told me how to correct them, I corrected them and improved. Without a doubt, I can testify that this course and the professor have helped me greatly improve my English level and my appreciation for English. I enjoy learning new languages, so this is an excellent combination for constant improvement. Without a doubt, this course has increased my personal and professional growth. It's a pleasure for me to share my experience with this English course.

Carolain Valverde Mora

For several years I tried to learn English, taking different courses or teaching myself from books and so on, and to be honest, I didn't succeed. Learning English is a huge challenge for many people, and I was one of them. Although I wanted to learn this language, I found it impossible. You can imagine my happiness now that I'm about to graduate from this course and can communicate in this beautiful language. It's a dream come true; it's one more goal achieved. Clearly, this dream wouldn't be possible without the invaluable help of FSM, opening its doors to us and giving us the opportunity to learn at a truly affordable price, having a teacher who puts all his love into each class, including us in activities that have allowed us to practice with native speakers—this, among many other things FSM has done to make this dream a reality. Thank you, FSM! May the Lord continue to bless each and every one of the people who have made this a reality.

We at FSM are beyond proud of you! Let’s celebrate these graduates!