In 1999, Esther Cristina came to the United States having been granted political asylum. She spoke little English.
The eighth of nine children, Esther completed high school and a law degree in her native Colombia. As a young lawyer, she worked for the Governor of her state, focusing on the needs of "campesinos"—farmers in rural areas. She ran for and was elected state representative, and later worked on the President's election campaign.
While campaigning in a rural area, Esther Cristina, her husband, and three friends were kidnapped by guerrillas who opposed the President's political party. After 14 days, they were freed.
Fearing for her safety, Esther Cristina and her daughters came to the United States and made their way to Milwaukee. She studied English at another organization, but was frustrated with the classroom setting. She called Literacy Services of Wisconsin, discovered our one-on-one tutoring model, and enrolled right away.
"I found my home here. I am much more confident and am learning quickly," and we can verify that. Currently working in MPS and tutoring in Spanish, Esther Cristina's long-term goal is to go to law school to help others in need.
NEXT STUDENT STORY
> Fred
