Jorge and Laura
Advancing at work due to determination and support
In 1999, 17-year old Jorge Blancas, an immigrant from Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico, arrived in Aurora, Illinois. He knew only a few words of English.
“I didn’t need English for living in my community or working in restaurants until I started working for Aurelio’s Pizza in Naperville. My manager offered me more responsibility in the kitchen, but all of the employees were English speakers. I understood what they said, but I couldn’t speak or write English very well. This frustrated me so much that I decided to quit my job.”
Jorge’s supervisor didn’t want to lose this valued employee. Rather than accept his resignation, she put Jorge in touch with Literacy DuPage. Soon, he was improving his English skills through one-on-one training, right at his workplace.
“With my tutor Laura, I began to understand this marvelous language. Learning English has been most difficult for me, but not impossible. My goal is to speak, read and write English fluently so I can communicate with all people, have more confidence at my job, and a better lifestyle.”
Jorge did not quit. Today, he supervises the kitchen staff at Aurelio’s. His career advancement—and growing confidence—came thanks to his own determination, his employer’s support, and a life-changing relationship with Literacy DuPage.