Miguel’s journey began long before he logged into an online English class. He arrived in the United States in 1999 at just 15 years old. His parents and siblings were already living here, while he had stayed in Mexico with his grandmother until it was time to reunite with his family. 

When he first arrived, Miguel began working as a butcher, an early experience that shaped his career. For a period of time, he balanced two jobs—working in a factory and in a butcher shop. With the encouragement of his family, Miguel eventually returned to school and completed his high school diploma, an important step toward new opportunities.

Miguel later began working at Food4Less in the meat department. Through dedication and experience, he worked his way up to a mid-manager position, a role he has held for about two years. While he valued the growth opportunities the company provided over the years, one challenge remained: improving his English. When Food4Less partnered with English Advance (formerly English at Work) to offer language classes, Miguel saw it as a turning point. Through the program, he began building his English skills and confidence not only at work but also in his personal life. “Now I can speak a little more fluently with [customers]… it has helped me to keep moving forward in daily life and to reach my goals.” It also improved his digital skills, as he became more comfortable using the computer and typing with both hands while completing work tasks.

Miguel shared that this English class was essential to his advancement at work: “I would like more people to have the same opportunity I had, so they can learn a little more English and have another opportunity in life—an opportunity to move up.” His experience reflects how access to language education can open doors, strengthen confidence, and help workers build new paths for their futures.

Miguel’s main motivation is his family—his wife and their two children. They encourage him to keep learning and improving his English so he can continue growing professionally. Through his experience with the English Advance program, Miguel has seen firsthand how powerful this kind of opportunity can be. The classes not only helped him learn new words and phrases he can use with customers, but also gave him more confidence to communicate at work. The program’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, making a meaningful difference in daily interactions, career, and personal growth.

The Forum would like to thank Sofia Guerra Oropeza, Workforce Advance Intern, for capturing this story.

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