Summer session ends, but educational journey for ESOL students continues

MANCHESTER, NH — On Thursday 21 students from 14 different countries completed the five-week English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) adult summer program at UNH Manchester.

Guest speaker was Dr. Trinidad Tellez, Director of the NH Office of Health Equity, who shared a little about her background and her work, and encouraged the students to stay involved in their communities and continue their education — recognizing that many of them are already engineers, doctors, lawyers, gardeners, educators and parents.

Dorothy Parsons from U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan’s Office read a letter from the Senator congratulating the students on their hard work and dedication.

Estafani Rojas, a student in the program, spoke of starting a new life in the U.S. and her decision to pursue her educational goals. She thanked her fellow classmates “for being an example of success and of how hard work can help you achieve your goals.”

Students were each given a certificate and shared traditional foods from their countries.

The intensive summer program for students is offered to recent high school graduates, transfer students, returning adult students, and other residing in and around
Manchester.

Through a combination of field trips, guest speakers, writing and research assignments, the program is geared toward those planning to pursue their college education, with a focus on improved writing, listening, reading and speaking skills.