From ESL student to full-time college student pursuing a nursing career.
From ESL to Citizenship: Tabassum’s Journey Toward Her Nursing Goal
Tabassum enrolled in our Intermediate ESL class in the late summer of 2024 with the goal of furthering her education and becoming a nurse. She had arrived in the United States from Afghanistan with her family a few years prior after fleeing the Taliban.
As a tenacious student, she quickly advanced to our Advanced class in early 2025.
By spring, Tabassum was enrolled in both her first class at Community College of Philadelphia and our Helms Citizenship class. She even encouraged her mother to join the Citizenship class as well.
Reaching New Milestones
By summer 2025, after a full year of enrollment at Helms, Tabassum successfully gained citizenship, as did her mother.
She also became a full-time Community College of Philadelphia student, where she continues to pursue her goal of becoming a nurse.
From strengthening her English skills to continuing her college education and achieving citizenship, Tabassum has continued to build on each milestone as she works toward her future.
This story has been lightly edited for clarity and readability while preserving the original voice, perspective and experience.
Learn More About ESL at Goodwill’s Helms Academy
Goodwill’s Helms Academy offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes designed to help adults strengthen their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. Classes are flexible, supportive and tailored to each student’s individual goals, whether that means improving everyday communication, advancing in the workplace or preparing for a high school diploma or college program.
To learn more about ESL classes, visit: https://helmsacademy.org/
Discover Programs That Change Lives
The stories you see here are made possible through Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia’s mission services. From adult education and job training to career placement and support services, these programs help individuals overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities available.
