Language No Barrier for Tri-C Graduate

December 14, 2015

Eunice Cabrera was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to the United States in 2004 looking for better opportunities for her and her family. There was just one problem: her English.

“Because I didn’t know how to speak and write the English language well, I often had misunderstandings at work, on the phone, at the store, etc. I felt tired of feeling incompetent and unable to communicate well and express myself,” Cabrera said.

She began taking classes full time at Cuyahoga Community College in January 2010, after enrolling in an English-as-a-second-language course. As her English got better, so did her ability to take other courses. Dec. 17, she will claim her associate degree in administrative office systems.

Cabrera is a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member. She is active at her church and works as a program assistant for Tri-C’s ABLE/GED program. She routinely volunteers at Tri-C’s GED information sessions and Commencement.

Finding balance as a mother, housewife, active church member, full-time worker and college student was a challenge, but she said her faith gave her the strength to manage. Cabrera credits student-success workshops with helping her learn how to manage her time and be more organized. She also references the many free services the College offers, such as tutoring, and said she routinely refers classmates to these services.

“My experience at Tri-C has been absolutely amazing,” Cabrera said. “Tri-C is my second home. Since I have been attending Tri-C, I have gotten so many opportunities academically and professionally. I had excellent instructors and great staff members that supported me through this journey.”

She offers some parting advice to her fellow students: “It is never too late to reach your academic, career and personal goals. It doesn’t matter how difficult it might seem to reach them, just keep going and remain focused. Don’t let anything or anyone discourage you. There is always going to be support and help for you . . . Being persistent and patient is the key to succeeding in life.”

Cabrera plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership.