Armando and Mariela met each other in Mexico as children and then again as adults while attending an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at the Toman Library. Both worked very hard learning English that first year. They fell in love and Mariela had to go back to Mexico since she was here only as a visitor. They were married in Mexico and Armando came back to the U.S. to continue his ESL classes. He not only wanted to improve his English but also to pass his citizenship exam.

Finding out his new bride was pregnant put even more stress on Armando. However, he achieved his first dream and became a U.S. citizen. Now the long process to bring his wife and baby back to the U.S began. In the meantime, Mariela was determined to improve her English as she waited to be rejoined with her husband. They were reunited last September and all three came to the U.S. to live.

They joined the Family Literacy program at DeLaSalle/Tolton in Chicago and continue to participate in many family literacy activities. Their daughter’s primary language is Spanish but her parents read English books to her each day. By the time she is ready for school, their daughter will be bilingual. Armando is currently attending a job-training course and Mariela and their daughter continue attending English classes.