Belleville Immigrant Grinds Out English Classes, Gets Library Job

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Ordering fast-food used to be a challenge for Belleville resident and Peru native Maritza Chang. Now - only 18 months after arriving in the United States - she’s an advanced ESL student with a job at the Bloomfield Library.

That’s what determination can do, according to adult literacy provider Literacy NJ.

Last month, the group honored Chang with its 2017 Student Excellence Award during its annual Literacy for Life Conference at Mercer County College.

Here’s why she deserved the award, Literacy NJ says:

“Maritza Chang spoke very little English when she came to the U.S. from her native Peru a year and a half ago. Ordering at a fast-food restaurant was a challenge. Now Maritza is an advanced-level ESL student and has gotten a new job. She accomplished this by attending ESL classes for eight hours each week at LVA Essex & Passaic Counties’ joint program with Berkeley College in Newark, enrolling in Montclair State University’s ESL classes, and meeting with two LVA tutors for four hours a week. It’s not unusual for Maritza to study English until 2 a.m. or later, after her two daughters have fallen asleep and long after her classes end.”

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According to Literacy NJ, the Bloomfield Public Library recently recruited Maritza to work at the front desk and help patrons borrow books, make inquiries, and obtain and renew their library cards. The job has boosted Maritza’s self-confidence and brought an additional source of income to her family.

“Maritza was the driving force behind her family’s relocation to the United States and has helped ease the transition for her children and her husband,” Literacy NJ stated.

Impressed with Maritza’s progress, her husband also enrolled in the LVA program and has two tutors as well. Now with her family settled, Maritza’s long-term plans are to obtain the needed certification to become a child psychologist, her profession in Peru.

Maritza has also volunteered in the LVA’s office, where her knowledge of Spanish and English were helpful in fielding phone inquiries, registering students and making appointments for tests.

• See related article: 5 Reasons Why Immigrants Make New Jersey Better
• See related article: N.J. Immigrants Are Taxpaying, Hardworking Residents: Study

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