Passing the Citizenship Test
by Telma Velásquez Citizenship and ESL Level 5 Student
My name is Telma Noemí Velásquez, and I am originally from Guatemala. In December 2000, I came to the city of Kansas City, Kansas pursuing a dream that many people from underdeveloped countries have.
It was not easy at all starting the difficult task of adapting to North American society, especially to the english language. We looked for people and groups that support immigrants, and we found some but they didn’t meet our expectations. After 10 years passed, we managed to become US permanent residents. This accomplishment gave us a new goal: to become citizens of the United States.
We started looking in Kansas City for a support group to learn more English and to study the 100 questions on the citizenship test. It was then that my daughter, Diosselyn, told me about “Mission Adelante”. I enrolled in the english course and the citizenship class. There I saw that Mission Adelante is committed to walking step by step with the students regardless of race, tribe, language, or academic level.
I really enjoyed learning from a group that has a deep desire to show the students how important they are. I received support from Pastor Jarrett Meek, ESL Director Gissell Vasquez, English teachers - Gregory, Shannon, Mike, Mary Anne, Susan, and Chad, and the citizenship teachers - Daniel, Carlie, Cherryl, and Dennis. I was especially supported by Julie Merchant, from whom I received unconditional support working extra-hours outside the classroom with me. Also, I want to thank Mike and Mary Anne for the celebration and the citizenship video.
The Mission Adelante team and volunteers carry out their work with will and effort. On January 28, 2021, I took the citizenship test and was approved! On April 23, 2021, I finally became a citizen. In my heart there is sincere gratitude for Mission Adelante, God bless you always! Take advantage of this help, which is open to everyone!
