FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER. MY JOURNEY: FROM KENYA - NDEC!
by Diana Onacha, ESOL Instructor, NAP Program
As an immigrant from Kenya and being very new to the American culture and workforce, it has been a challenging journey. But we all have to start somewhere despite having prior education from our native countries. So for me, I decided to embark on a journey into healthcare. Along the way I found myself having to care for family members. That’s how I landed at NDEC-L pursing the CNA course.
Three months down the lane, I finally graduated and as an alumni of NAP- NDEC Lawrence, my thoughts were to finish my Nursing assistant program and join the CNA’s at the hospital, which I did.
Little did I know where I would be few months later!
An opportunity arose and I was contacted for an interview for the ESOL- ENAP instructor! I did not hesitate as I remembered while I was a student there we always wished to end up being as happy as the employees at NDEC seemed to be! I did the onboarding, and there I was - going for my first class! I will never forget how nervous I was, but the support I have gotten from my supervisor is immeasurable! I was given a soft landing and the anxiety I had disappeared. I was now the one pushing to conduct the classes myself. However, I never imagined myself teaching, but here I am preparing for lessons and enjoying it!
I have learned so much, and the greatest feeling is that of seeing my first class of students graduating!
Through the NDEC-L alumni- staff program, I am making a difference in my life and knowing that while I was planning my career path in Kenya, it did not go to waste. I‘m using my skills and knowledge in my new position.
To the ENAP class, what I have gained from you is much more than what I could ever ask for. Having once been sitting on the same seat as you, I would like to wish you a very bright road ahead. Students: You now have a new beginning, just as you have given me.
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