PUENTE has impacted multiple generations of Mirna’s family. That impact started with her son and older daughter who attended PUENTE Preschool and are now successful adults, and it continues with her daughter Mikaela who graduated from the same preschool program and is now a third grader at PUENTE Charter Elementary School. As for Mirna, while her children have been learning in their classrooms, she has advanced her own education through PUENTE’s classes for adults, studying English as a Second Language (ESL) and achieving her High School Equivalency certification.
Since moving to Boyle Heights from Sinaloa, Mexico, Mirna has faced numerous challenges as a single mother of three. She often found herself prioritizing her family over her own educational aspirations.
As her children grew and built their own successful careers, Mirna decided it was time to pursue her own goals and enroll in ESL classes. “I have always wanted to move forward,” she explains, “but there’s no way you can grow if you don’t speak English in this country,” A memorable setback – being denied employment due to her limited English – became the catalyst for change. That rejection transformed into motivation, marking a decisive moment in Mirna’s personal journey.
Under the guidance of Mr. Navarro, an encouraging ESL instructor at PUENTE, Mirna transformed her determination into achievement. “He helped me believe that I could keep going, no matter the challenges I faced,” she recalls. Today, Mirna confidently navigates between Spanish and English in her role as a community outreach worker- a testament to her perseverance.
Mirna’s educational momentum continued to build as she tackled her next goal: earning her high school equivalency. Supported by PUENTE’s test preparation classes, she successfully passed the HiSET exam – but she didn’t stop there. Now enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Technical College and pursuing a degree in community planning, Mirna speaks with conviction about her future: “PUENTE has provided me with the resources and motivation to continue my education. One day, I will graduate from college and proudly say that I did it.”
Her story powerfully illustrates PUENTE’s mission – empowering students and families to pursue opportunity. As Mirna pursues her goals, she’s not just creating a brighter future for herself; she’s setting an inspiring example for her children about the possibilities that education can unlock. “Si se puede,” she says with certainty. “You just have to believe that you deserve the chance.”
