My job is to maintain the computer labs, keep up the website (www.clinton.k12.ma.us/adulted), and assist with TABE and GED practice testing. I've also continued my education by attending Quinsigamond Community College and graduating May 2007 with a certificate as a Personal Computer Specialist. While I was at QCC, I became a member of the honor society Phi Theta Kappa.

My friend and colleague Eunice Snay, the regional SABES Tech Coordinator, calls me "The Queen of Free" — because I'm good at getting equipment and software donated for nothing. I've gotten older computers donated and then fixed them up for use at the Learning Center, and also won grants for computer equipment. I persuaded Hewlett Packard to donate $5,200 worth of printers and to sell us twenty additional computers at a very low price.

Since I got my degree I've started my own business, called Compulaine's Computer Center and Café. It's both a computer repair business and WiFi Café, which serves breakfast and lunch. The store offers entertainment on occasion and is known as a community connection spot. I’ve also volunteered as a computer skills instructor at the senior center in town. As you can see, I like to keep busy and connected. All my different responsibilities keep me in touch with my family and the broader community.

Here are a couple of articles that have been written about my Café. If you're in the neighborhood stop by:
www.wickedlocal.com/clinton/archive/x595658414

www.socialweb.net/Places/7263.lasso

I was about ten years old when I finished 3rd grade. I had earned 100’s in language and math. To go to school you needed decent clothes, shoes and materials. When my sister reached fourth grade, she had to drop out and go to work. I didn’t go back to school. As the next daughter, I had to take her place in the home.

The school year went from January to October. I waited for months for my parents to send me back. In April a teacher from the school came to my house and asked my parents, “How come Elida didn’t come back to school?” My mother told them I’m all set, I have what I need. It was hard to understand why I couldn’t be able to go back to school, how come I had to give up my dream. I had to follow what my parents said.

I came to America to escape political unrest. Now as a mother of three children, my goals are totally different. I encourage my kids to finish school because without a college degree you have to take menial jobs. I’m also a working mother. Every day when I wake up it is challenging for me. I’m afraid to make a wrong decision. Raising kids is hard because they don’t come with instructions.

In 1997 my son started pre-kindergarten. I walked him to his classroom. The teacher shook hands with me and started a conversation, but my mind was blank. I asked her if she knew a place I could learn English. She said, “By tomorrow I will have some information about a good place you can go.” She told me about Operation Bootstrap. I started the program. When I walked through the door I didn’t have any idea about the place. I was anxious to know if I was making the right decision. Some time to make a decision like this is difficult but not impossible. Learning English was my goal. Unfortunately I had to quit because I got pregnant.

In 2003, after all my kids were in school, I signed up again. I started at the beginning of the GED Program. I’m now in pre-GED. To be in the program has made a huge difference. Now I’m able to help my kids with homework. I’m proud to see how their minds are different. They talk about going to college. During these four years I’m involved in the community. I volunteer a few times at My Brother’s Table. Being involved with the community is worth it because you’re giving back to the community. I’m the vice-president at Operation Bootstrap Student Council. I have learned so much from my program. And also it has helped me be the person I am today.

It was a very challenging and demanding time. I’ve taken many ESL and computer classes and while working the midnight shift doing kitchen prep work at Logan Airport. Through the ESL classes I was able to move on with my life and leave the night job. I had improved my English and computer skills and stepped up to an assistant position in education department at the International Institute of Boston. Being with this agency I have seen how many people have struggled with low English proficiency and have realized how much Adult Education means to them.

Now I have made another step forward, in my current position as the administrative assistant at the Massachusetts System for Adult Basic Education Support. I’m very proud to be a part of this great team which helps the Adult Basic Education field to equip adult learners and to develop their language skills in order to be able to find a job on their own, pursue citizenship, and contribute to the cultural, political, and economic richness of this society.