This year, after five years in The Literacy Connection program in Elgin, IL, Helen Amy Wu became a citizen. She worked very hard to be able to pass the test and interview, including having to learn difficult words like abjure, heretofore, right to bear arms, and oath. She learned the benefits and responsibilities of being a citizen and how the government works. She learned how to overcome fear and carry on a life-changing conversation with an intimidating government officer even though she never thought she would be able to learn enough English to pass the test.

"I wanted to get my citizenship. After I got it, I was happier. I want to learn more so I can speak better," she said.

Helen, a Chinese national who emigrated from Vietnam in 1993, didn't understand a word of English when she arrived in the United States. However, she soon found a job as a machine operator at Hoffer Plastics Corp. in Elgin, where she signed up for an English as a second language class through the Literacy Connection's Workplace Solutions program.

To arrive at her success, Helen was very dedicated. After sometimes working 16 hour days, she walked an hour to meet with her tutor, Emily Menendez, without ever missing a meeting. In the three weeks before she took the Citizenship Test, she met with her tutor for two hours, seven days a week. Despite her fears that she would not be able to pass, Helen went from being able to answer three of the 100 Citizenship questions to being able to answer them all. When she began, she could not write any of the dictation sentences, but by the time she took the test, she could write all 30 with ease. A student in the workplace literacy program as well as working with an individual tutor, and attending ESOL classes at a local community college, Helen�s determination to learn shines through her accomplishments. One well-deserved crowning moment for Helen was meeting Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White.

For all her achievements, Helen was also named LVA's ESOL Student of the Year for 1999. She was honored at a banquet at the conference in Nashville in November, and received her award from Ruth Colvin, LVA founder.

She is just now becoming comfortable conversing in English. She had no expectation of really becoming a part of society in the United States, due to her lack of English. Now she is beginning to make friends and to get out and do things other Americans do, including getting her driver's license. She is very excited about her prospects in her future.

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