Learner to Earner: Anibal Rojas

As San Mateo Adult School Students gain knowledge, skills, and confidence, they join the work force, advance in their jobs, and engage in volunteer work.  The Learner to Earner page is about their success. Each week or so, another success story is feature.  Here's another story in the series.

Anibal Rojas – Breaking the Glass Ceiling



Anibal Rojas

Sometimes, when immigrants get a job, they stay in the same position for a long time because they do not have the English skills to go higher.  Sometimes we call this situation “a glass ceiling.”  You can’t see why someone doesn’t make any progress.  You just the problem:  no change.

SMAS student Anibal Rojas broke this glass ceiling through his determination, hard work, and the help of San Mateo Adult School.  He moved up from the position of Busser at Espetus Brazilian Steak House to Cover Supervisor.

At San Mateo Adult School, Anibal attended ESL classes and Distance Learning.  His teachers, including Vasyl and Alesha, taught him English and gave him many tips.  They insisted he learn to think in English and not rely on his cell phone for help.   He listened to his teachers and studied hard.  On his breaks, he spoke English to Johnny, Toshio, and his classmates.

 

When he had to have surgery on his right hand - the hand he writes with - he did not stop coming to school.  He continued his studies, doing his best to write with his left hand.

 

His wife and sons were a big support and motivation.  They encouraged him to learn, speak, and practice English.

 

All the help and support from school and family and all Anibal's determination and effort paid off.  Anibal's English improved.  Anibal got a promotion.  He broke the glass ceiling.

 

With your effort and the help of San Mateo Adult School, so can you!