"As a new intern at Lazarus House, I soon found myself working in the English as a Second Language (ESL) class," commented Weeldens Louis, a student at UMass Lowell. "Within a few days, I was no longer an intern, but simply, 'Teacher'. I found it remarkable that many of the people in my class left the only life they knew, flew thousands of miles and pieced together their broken English to search for shelter, food and a better life for themselves and their children."

Ana Sofia* is typical of many of the students that enroll in the Lazarus House ESL/Work Preparation program. As a single mother with two daughters, she came to this country bringing nothing but her family and a dream.

Ana Sofia shared, "I came here to a language and culture that is different. Such as with all beginnings, I found it very hard and difficult, full of challenges and obstacles. However, these obstacles were not enough to make me stop. I went in search of a class to study English and, fortunately for me, I was accepted into the Lazarus House Work Preparation program that also included, Culinary Training. Completing this course gave me the opportunity to acquire experience that opened up new horizons for employment for me and economic freedom for my family. It also taught my children the importance of getting a good education and possessing good values. I have seen in their faces how proud they feel about me and they watch how hard I am working to succeed."

Weeldens continued, "Sometimes people categorize the immigrant population as naïve to their new environment or as people who drag their feet and feed off government programs. That was not the situation that I observed in the students that were in my ESL class. On one of the days I was assisting in the class, I was reminded of a quote by Mary Anne Radmacher."

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'. 

"People are very much mistaken if  they do not realize that moving to a new country, starting a new job, uprooting your entire family and then receiving criticism from the uninformed, takes courage. For weeks, I have witnessed the students in their comings and goings, and although I have not heard 'I will try again tomorrow' escape their lips in English tongues, I know it is a thought that is engraved in their minds on a daily basis."    

The Hike for Hope supports programs and services for people like Ana Sofia. The money raised offers the opportunity for individuals and families to learn English and receive valuable work experience. By fundraising, walking and/or sponsoring the Hike, you are an important part of the solution. We can, together, "be the change you want to see in the world". Please register to walk in the Hike for Hope on October 6, 2013 at Merrimack College!

**Not her real name.