Fernando Lima

Fernando Henrique Dos Santos Lima of LaGrange, an immigrant from Sao Paulo, Brazil, pushed himself out of his comfort zone to master the English language–with support from Triton College’s Adult Education Department.

“At first, the language barrier was a real challenge,” he said. “I often felt lost and hesitant to speak. I made the decision to face the fear and immerse myself and listen, speak and learn every day.”

As a student in the Adult Education Department, Lima said his English as a Second Language (ESL) classes gave him the confidence he needed. In addition to developing language skills, the department helped him meet with people from around the world, explore new cultures, and understand a variety of accents.

“I really appreciate the structure and organization of Triton College,” he said.

Driven by ambition and supported by Triton, Lima said he now follows conversations with ease and can express his thoughts more clearly.

Looking ahead, Lima hopes to continue improving his English and eventually move up in his company to share his experiences with others.

“My instructors are so supportive,” he said. “The community is nice and welcoming. It’s a great environment for learning and personal growth.”