Yeraldin moved to the United States from Colombia in May 2022. She came here through a cultural exchange program called Au Pair. Yeraldin sought to expand her knowledge, experience American culture, and improve her English. Her now wife joined her here through the same program.
“What I like best about Pittsburgh is that it’s a city full of opportunities,” Yeraldin says. It’s very beautiful and there’s always something to do. It has a strong and welcoming community.”
Yeraldin currently works in customer service at Dollar Bank. She hopes to continue working in a bank or in a big company in a role related to international business, which she is studying through online classes at UNAD University in Colombia.. She also dreams of having her own business one day.
“When I first moved here, I was looking for English classes because I didn’t have a job yet and wanted to make good use of my time,” Yeraldin explains. “ I found Literacy Pittsburgh. I was so excited because not only were the English classes free, but they also offered many other services and had great flexibility.”
Yeraldin not only took English classes, but also strengthened her academic skills through our GED program. She most recently took our English for Job-Seekers class, which is sponsored by UPMC. She explains that this class was instrumental in helping her secure her position at Dollar Bank.
“The classes helped me learn about American work culture, job industries, and improve my interview and job search skills,” Yeraldin explains. “Classes were always professional, dynamic, and focused on real needs. The teachers were excellent—always well prepared and encouraging participation.”
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
