Vinas first became a student in August of 2008, after being referred to Project Read by the Dixon Middle School ESL program. Originally from Laos, Vinas came to the United States because of marriage. She is the oldest of three children.
While in the program, Vinas was praised by her tutor as “an excellent student who always does her homework and always has a good attitude.” Vinas says that Project Read has helped her improve her English a lot, especially her reading and pronunciation. “I feel very proud of Project Read. Wherever I go, people compliment me on my pronunciation and how well I speak. Project Read was my first step to speaking better and reading books.”
Vinas now has two young children and works at a sautering company. She is 1.5 credits away from finishing her high school diploma. Vinas has an accounting degree from a University in Laos and hopes to attend college here in the United States when she finishes high school. Her goal is to get a degree that will allow her to help other refugees like herself.
Vinas’ improved literacy skills have given her confidence and she is now able to help her nephew with his English homework. Vinas advises current students of Project Read not to be shy or think they’re incapable of learning. “My tutor gave me courage to become better than I was before.” We’re proud of students like Vinas!