Fernanda has wanted to live in the US since she was 18 years old, a dream that finally came true 2 years ago when she moved to Oshkosh with her husband and two daughters. Her dream now – for her daughters, ages 5 and 13, to flourish.
Fernanda’s time in the US has not been all a dream though, she has struggled with the loss of independence that not speaking fluent English has caused. The lack of communication has caused her to feel dependent on others and unable to talk and engage, something she typically loves to do.
Fernanda is from Brazil and lived there until 2015 when her husband, who works for Amcor, was transferred to Mexico. They stayed in Mexico for 7 years before another work transfer brought them to Oshkosh.
Fernanda began coming to WALC almost exactly 1 year ago and has been working with her tutor Nicole Voytovich since February. It is through her work with WALC’s Vocational Services Director, Oxana, and her tutor Nicole, that Fernanda is now working at local cafe Planet Perk.
Fernanda has been welcomed into the Planet Perk community, stating how grateful she is for her co-workers and boss, Planet Perk owner, Ken Osmond. The feeling is mutual, Ken expressed his gratitude for Fernanda, describing her as “very brave, very intelligent, and very humble” as well as commending her thirst for knowledge. Nicole shared the sentiment as well, saying how well Fernanda fit in with the staff, and how talking to her co-workers and customers is helping her practice and gain more confidence in her English.
The welcoming community at Planet Perk and the experience and practice Fernanda will gain from her time there, is a perfect example of a WALC success story. We are equally as grateful as both Fernanda and Ken for this opportunity and potential for future partnership with Planet Perk.