“English at Work is more than just English classes. English at Work offers students the opportunity to not only improve their language skills but also helps them lose fear of judgment. Many individuals hesitate to speak in a second language due to the fear of making mistakes or being judged by others. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, English at Work helps students gradually shed this fear and gain confidence in expressing themselves. Those students who take on this opportunity will gain far more than just good grammar and pronunciation, they will better themselves in many aspects.”
Adela Landeros embarked on a journey to the United States 28 years ago, alongside her mother, in search of better opportunities. In Mexico, Adela’s love for cooking was cultivated as she studied culinary arts. She had always enjoyed cooking, so when she came to the US, she diligently sought out a career that would allow her to indulge her passion. She found a job at Mendocino Farms, where she has now been working as the Kitchen Manager for more than 5 years. Adela cherishes her role at Mendocino Farms. She ardently believes in the saying, “If you love your job, you will never feel like you are working.”
Adela’s working environment requires her to actively engage with other employees and her supervisors in English. “My work is a place where understanding English is primordial, not only to communicate with others but also for you to grow within the company.”
Adela has always looked for ways to improve herself. She knows that English proficiency will open the door to many other opportunities. She did not hesitate when she was offered the opportunity to improve her English skills through her employer. “What surprised me the most was that these classes were free, a lot of employees do not have the flexibility and resources to enroll in classes.” Adela participated in English at Work in 2022 and she was enthusiastically ready to learn every week.
With each class, Adela’s confidence grew as she grasped new vocabulary, improved her pronunciation, and gained a better understanding of grammar rules. As she progressed through the program, she noticed significant improvements in her language abilities – she gained oral fluency, allowing her to communicate more effectively in various social and professional settings and she lost the fear of being judged for mispronouncing words or articulating her thoughts in English.
Adela is incredibly thankful to Mendocino Farms for such an invaluable learning opportunity. She believes that more companies should embrace similar initiatives to inspire their employees to hone their language skills. Adela passionately advocates for and encourages her fellow colleagues at Mendocino Farms to join the English at Work program, emphasizing the profound benefits it has brought and encourages them to take on this remarkable opportunity of growth and development.
The National Immigration Forum would like to thank Camila Chicaiza, Business Engagement and Inclusion Programs intern, for highlighting this story.