“LETTER TO TRA”

Nobody will ever understand what Training Resources of America (TRA) did for me other than myself.

I came to America from Haiti in 2011 and because I was 20 years old I could not attend Brockton High School. I was desperately trying to find a school to continue with my General Education, but I could not find one. I spoke to my oldest sister and asked her for advice about what I could do to complete my high school education. My sister stated there was not a program where I could get my GED, so I would have to study for the test on my own. Although I did not have a sufficient amount of English language skills at that time I still bought myself a GED study guide book as I was anxious to move to my next step in finishing my high school studies.

My sister called the Brockton Public Library to find out if they had English classes. I got lucky because she spoke with Malice Veiga who runs ESOL classes at the library. I began studying in her classes right away. This was only a starting point on the path towards the kind of class I really needed: a GED class. I appreciated the fact that I was learning English, but Malice recognized that my level of English already exceeded many of my fellow classmates because I was fortunate to have studied English in Haiti. She suggested I also go to a Saturday morning class at the library that taught the advanced level of ESOL.

I began attending the Saturday classes and it was there that I learned about TRA. There was a poster for a summer class called “English for Employment” and I went to TRA to inquire about the class and after I took an assessment test I began the class. The class lasted for one month and was a great learning curve for me. We learned about key vocabulary to use on a resume, how to set up a resume, a cover letter , a follow up letter, a thank you note and interviewing skills. This was all very fascinating to me because I’d never had an opportunity to learn how to do anything of these things.

While I was enrolled in this program I saw a flyer displayed on a window at TRA about the ACHIEVE! Program which helps people from the ages of 16 to 21 years of age to study to get their GED. Yes, I was only twenty years old and this meant I was eligible to see if I could become a student in this program!!!! This is exactly what I had been hoping to find for myself.

I was told to see the boss, Barbora Hazuková, to find out what I had to do because I really wanted to get into this program and get my GED and further my education. I had to go over what was necessary for me to get accepted into the program. I passed an assessment test and all of the additional criteria and soon started classes. This made my heart very happy and I will always remember this moment because it means so much to me.

The teacher of this program is Payameh. She is not only a great teacher but was and continues to be a mentor to me. It was not easy to study such in depth topics in English as it is not my first language. I had only been in the United States for eleven months so I was still learning the language via studying for the GED test. I am a highly self-motivated person by nature, but it was such an enjoyable experience to be at TRA every day. I am from Haiti so walking through the snow in the winter months was no joy for me. Although I was freezing on my way to school, I was warm inside knowing I was going to TRA and one more step closer to obtaining my goal of receiving my GED.

Finally, I felt ready to take the GED exam. I did not pass on my first try. I was devastated when I got these results, but I did not let it get me down because I believe in myself and my teacher encouraged me by telling me she knew I could do it. It took two more times of taking the test before I passed. Yes…I will never forget this moment!!!!

I got a job at a large local restaurant as a busboy and I now am making pizzas as well. I was able to get a Pell Grant and started Massasoit Community College in September 2012. I ran and won a seat on the Student Senate. In addition, I am the former president of “Hearts for Haiti”, and Public Relations for “The International Touch Club” at Massasoit. I am thoroughly enjoying the college experience as my first year at college is winding down. I also submitted my resume and a cover letter to Mayor Linda M. Balzotti’s Office asking to be a volunteer in the office. I went in for a formal interview and just received the job in her office. I’m very excited to be doing something for the community of Brockton in this way.

These are the things that I will never forget as I move on toward my goals in life. I feel that TRA was a gateway in my life and I wish everyone could enjoy and benefit from all that TRA has to offer an individual. I hope that TRA will continue to provide and impart their knowledge and skills to many others forever. I want to wish everyone at TRA the best of luck life has to offer and (that they) will continue the wonderful work they do.

~ Jean Derenoncourt