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A publication of the Association of California School Administrators
A publication of the Association of California School Administrators
Adult Ed: Cecilia Delgado
October 27, 2023
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Adult Education, LAUSD/DACE – Harbor Occupational Center
Cecilia Delgado has faced and overcome many obstacles in her career as a student. Leaving her family in Mexico and coming to California was one of the most difficult challenges in Cecilia’s life. Particularly challenging was the language barrier — the frustration and isolation of not speaking English. She was finally able to enroll in an ESL program at the Harbor Occupational Center in San Pedro. She received her U.S. Citizenship thanks to a citizenship class she took at Banning Adult School in Wilmington, and found steady work as a hotel housekeeper.
As Cecilia became more fluent in English, she was promoted first to Housekeeping Supervisor and then to assistant manager of the hotel. Because her writing skills improved, she was given more responsibility, including processing payroll for the hotel employees. Undaunted by a pandemic layoff, Cecilia took online courses to expand her computer skills and found other work until she was finally rehired back to her assistant manager position.
In March 2023, Cecilia completed ESL Level Six. When she started working at her hotel job over 20 years ago, she couldn’t understand anything at the staff meetings. Now, she translates for her manager. She is currently enrolled in the Hi Set Prep Class at Harbor Occupational Center. After she gets her High School Diploma, she plans to take management classes in college. Her goal is to one day become a hotel manager.
“It’s important to never give up, to stay positive, and to keep reaching for your goals!”
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Adult Education honoree Cecilia Delgado.