2018-19 Morning Student Council Vice President Shereen Lata's Speech

At the Morning Student Council Forum for the 2018-19 school year, candidates shared their views, experience and dreams for our school. Here, with her permission, is the memorable speech given by Shereen Lata, now our 2018-19 Morning Student Council Vice President.

Shereen giving her speech at the Morning Candidates Forum
Director Tim listening in the background

Good morning students and staff members. My name is Shereen Lata. I'm a low advance student with teacher Jean and I am from the Fiji Islands. It’s a very beautiful tropical Island by the Pacific Ocean. Growing up in the Fiji Islands was very challenging. Pursuing an education was something that was not encouraged, which is why I was unable to complete my High School Diploma. I was instead encouraged to find a job. I worked in the retail industry for nine years. I worked twelve hours a day but only got paid for working eight hours. As time went on I realized that if I wanted to achieve my goal of getting an education I would have to leave the Fiji Islands for better opportunities.

I decided to immigrate (move) to America. I came here in December of 2008. I started working at Costco in Redwood City in January of 2009. It wasn’t easy.  I was so scared to talk to my coworkers because I didn’t feel my English was good enough. At times when I would try to communicate in English my mind would just go blank, I couldn’t even remember my home phone number.I was determined not to let my fear and anxiety stop me from learning English and keeping my job. Also, I did not want to go back to Fiji, because my dreams and goals would not be found there. I practiced in the mirror by talking to myself and slowly was able to communicate  better with my coworkers who were very nice to me, and didn’t judge me.

After three years of working there, I was injured on the job which has left me with a permanent disability.  Because of my work injury I stayed at home full time, these were the worst days of my life. After some time, I decided to go back to school to get my education to be able to get a sustainable job.  I enrolled at Canada College to take ESL classes. I did my assessment test, got evaluated, and paid $350 for one semester. Then one day my family friend told me about the San Mateo Adult School free classes. I enrolled in the Modern office Technology class. Then later in January I started taking ESL classes in room 23 with teacher Alesha.

I began to become more and more passionate about my education.  The opportunities that the Adult School offers are wonderful, offering classes in the evening as well as on Saturday s’ enable many people to get their education.

The Teachers here are also very nice and encouraging to all the students. This allows students to build their confidence and talk to other people.

This year I would like to be your student council vice president because i know  that i can be a good student representative. I have been involved with various programs at this school like helping start the  CPR class last semester and job shadowing classes with the help of teacher Tia.

I have received my CPR certification and I know more about the job in the Smart Center. I am also a part of the student Ambassador program. In conclusion I want to represent you. I want to be your voice. I believe in this school. I believe in our ability to work together I welcome ideas from you for making our school better .I will respect all the opinions and decisions.  I know voting for someone requires a lot of trust.

I am willing to work hard everyday to earn your trust. I pledge to the do most important thing a student council member can do. Be responsible,  be there for anyone and everyone who needs our help, and work together with other students council members to make the school a more peaceful,more fun and all in all a better place to learn.Together we can achieve great goals. Thank you   please vote for me for Vice President.

Thank you, Shereen, for sharing your voice in service to our school community. Your commitment and energy make a positive difference!

Determined- means that you make your mind that you have to do this.

Sustainable job- means you want to work at the place where you get good pay.

pledge- be a voice so other people can heard

Shereen, Shelly, and Claudia
ready to get started as leaders in service to our school

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