Meet Juan

For the past two years, Dave and Juan have met once a week at Juan's Naperville apartment. They sit at the kitchen table and talk about work, their families or what is new in the neighborhood. It may sound completely ordinary, but the results of those meetings have been extraordinary.

The 28-year old Mexican native came to the United States four years ago, knowing no English. He tried going to college, but without the fundamental skills of reading and writing, he found the experience overwhelming. Then he discovered Literacy DuPage.

That organization linked him with Dave, his tutor and mentor. Dave is vice president of sales at Perfect Plastic Printing in St. Charles. He heard about the mentoring opportunity at his church and thought it was a good chance to "give back." After just two years, Juan has gone from knowing no English to Level 7, the competency level desired for all Literacy DuPage students.

When Dave and Juan get together for their weekly tutoring sessions, they take turns speaking each other's native language. The teacher helps the student and the student helps the teacher in return. Dave says Juan has all the characteristics to succeed, "He's got the personality, he's patient and charismatic."

Juan adds, "When you are sick it's very important to talk to a doctor and I can do that now. And, I can talk to a manager and I can do my work." Juan is a cashier at an area Wendy's where he speaks both English and Spanish...and his boss recently approached him about moving up to a management position.

Meet Rosa

Rosa arrived from Mexico speaking no English. She realized she needed to learn to speak English when she was pregnant and had an ultrasound, but didn't understand the results. Without a driver's license, she had no way of getting to classes to improve her English literacy skills.

One of Rosa's greatest needs was to be able to make medical appointments and speak to doctors. With her tutor's help, over a period time Rosa's English and confidence increased, and she also got a job at McDonald's. She improved her English skills, obtained her driver's license, and also became a manager at McDonald's. Rosa's goal now is to study at College of DuPage and to become a realtor.