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Highlighted Learner of the Month
Highlighted Learner of the Month
Soriel Garcia
Soriel Garcia
When Soriel joined the BPL Literacy Services program in October of 2024, she wanted to learn English and prepare for citizenship. She began to attend English conversation classes and citizenship classes; later, she began working with a volunteer tutor. As of nine months at BPLLS, Soriel is now working hard on learning more about U.S. history and civics, and is able to answer 80 out of 100 questions for the citizenship exam. She is also making significant strides in her English studies. According to her tutor, Soriel is very organized, engaged, and motivated. She keeps a notebook of all the things she is learning and wants to learn. She is timely and gets the most out of sessions. After nine months at BPLLS, her CASAS score rose several points, and she can better communicate with English speakers. She can also read children's books with her tutor's help. Soriel's determination, combined with the support of her instructors, has advanced Soriel to new levels in her pursuit of her goals.
When Soriel, her children, and her partner first came to Oklahoma, they left behind a life of struggle in New York. Moving to Oklahoma and learning English has helped Soriel to improve life for her and her family. Soriel can now apply for better jobs. In July 2025, she started a new job in laundry services. Having a better understanding of English has helped Soriel to communicate with a wider range of people in the community. Soriel is also using what she is learning in class to teach English to her family. Soriel’s committed efforts in the citizenship program are bringing her closer to applying for U.S. naturalization. Once Soriel gains citizenship, she can bring her mom from the Dominican Republic to the United States for naturalization.
Soriel is well known to and loved by many of her classmates and instructors. She always contributes positively to class discussions. She brings joy to others, always sharing and giving gifts to other learners and staff, despite her own hardships. Her tutor also shared that Soriel occasionally helps with Spanish conversation and practice. Soriel's positivity and kindness boosts morale for many at the BPLLS program.
In April of 2025, Soriel was a BPLLS Featured Learner, chosen for her determination and excellent progress in her studies. Soriel shared the story about how she came to the United States and about her positive experience at the BPLLS program. Soriel’s story was featured on the BPLLS Facebook page and on the front cover of the Bartlesville Public Library newsletter, “Bartlesville Bookmark.”
-Submitted by Hannah Suarez, Bartlesville Public Library Literacy Services
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