Evening Student Council President Carlos Diaz shared his story and this fabulous speech at the 2018-19 Evening Candidate Forum.  The next day, he was elected Student Council President of the Evening Student Council.  Here, with his permission, is his wonderful speech.

Evening Student Council President
Carlos Diaz
Alt Text:  Smiling man with
short brown hair in jean jacket

Hello everyone!

My name is Carlos Diaz and I am running for student council President.

I'm from Mexico, more specifically a small town by the name of La Barca, located at the Southeast side of the state of Jalisco. I came to The USA 3 years ago, in August 2015.

I remember how difficult the beginning was, a different country, different people, new neighbors, new neighborhoods, the diversity of cultures and traditions, and the most remarkable thing: English as a new language.

Finding a new job is always a tough part of our lives, and that part increases when we don't know how to speak English, that's why I decided to start learning. Some of my friends told me about San Mateo Adult School, so I came to the Smart Center on 2016  and just signed up. I began at Low Beginning and since then have been studying at this school in the evening time. I am now in the High advanced level, still learning, improving my English and working on my skills.

I haven't run a campaign before. This is my first time running, trying to be the new president elect. I want to work hand-in-hand with all of the student council members; I want to work with all of you guys, listening to your suggestions, your ideas. I want to work not only as a president or member of the student council, I want to be your friend.

I really believe in the importance of adult education. I believe in people like you, like me. People who came from other countries in search of a better life and better opportunities. People have found here at San Mateo Adult School the opportunity to learn English, make and grow networks and be successful.

I want to continue with the legacy of my former colleagues who were presidents and members of the student council.

The promise I make to you is that I will do my best, being your voice, and being your representative, bringing the faith in every place and in every opportunity to talk about how important San Mateo Adult School is.

Please vote for me, Carlos Diaz, to be your Student Council President.

Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your speech and service!

At the Morning Student Council Forum for the 2018-19 school year, candidates shared their views, experience and dreams for our school. Here, with her permission, is the memorable speech given by Shereen Lata, now our 2018-19 Morning Student Council Vice President.

Shereen giving her speech at the Morning Candidates Forum
Director Tim listening in the background

Good morning students and staff members. My name is Shereen Lata. I'm a low advance student with teacher Jean and I am from the Fiji Islands. It’s a very beautiful tropical Island by the Pacific Ocean. Growing up in the Fiji Islands was very challenging. Pursuing an education was something that was not encouraged, which is why I was unable to complete my High School Diploma. I was instead encouraged to find a job. I worked in the retail industry for nine years. I worked twelve hours a day but only got paid for working eight hours. As time went on I realized that if I wanted to achieve my goal of getting an education I would have to leave the Fiji Islands for better opportunities.

I decided to immigrate (move) to America. I came here in December of 2008. I started working at Costco in Redwood City in January of 2009. It wasn’t easy.  I was so scared to talk to my coworkers because I didn’t feel my English was good enough. At times when I would try to communicate in English my mind would just go blank, I couldn’t even remember my home phone number.I was determined not to let my fear and anxiety stop me from learning English and keeping my job. Also, I did not want to go back to Fiji, because my dreams and goals would not be found there. I practiced in the mirror by talking to myself and slowly was able to communicate  better with my coworkers who were very nice to me, and didn’t judge me.

After three years of working there, I was injured on the job which has left me with a permanent disability.  Because of my work injury I stayed at home full time, these were the worst days of my life. After some time, I decided to go back to school to get my education to be able to get a sustainable job.  I enrolled at Canada College to take ESL classes. I did my assessment test, got evaluated, and paid $350 for one semester. Then one day my family friend told me about the San Mateo Adult School free classes. I enrolled in the Modern office Technology class. Then later in January I started taking ESL classes in room 23 with teacher Alesha.

I began to become more and more passionate about my education.  The opportunities that the Adult School offers are wonderful, offering classes in the evening as well as on Saturday s’ enable many people to get their education.

The Teachers here are also very nice and encouraging to all the students. This allows students to build their confidence and talk to other people.

This year I would like to be your student council vice president because i know  that i can be a good student representative. I have been involved with various programs at this school like helping start the  CPR class last semester and job shadowing classes with the help of teacher Tia.

I have received my CPR certification and I know more about the job in the Smart Center. I am also a part of the student Ambassador program. In conclusion I want to represent you. I want to be your voice. I believe in this school. I believe in our ability to work together I welcome ideas from you for making our school better .I will respect all the opinions and decisions.  I know voting for someone requires a lot of trust.

I am willing to work hard everyday to earn your trust. I pledge to the do most important thing a student council member can do. Be responsible,  be there for anyone and everyone who needs our help, and work together with other students council members to make the school a more peaceful,more fun and all in all a better place to learn.Together we can achieve great goals. Thank you   please vote for me for Vice President.

Thank you, Shereen, for sharing your voice in service to our school community. Your commitment and energy make a positive difference!

Determined- means that you make your mind that you have to do this.

Sustainable job- means you want to work at the place where you get good pay.

pledge- be a voice so other people can heard

Shereen, Shelly, and Claudia
ready to get started as leaders in service to our school

..

On Sept 26th, 2018, Shelley Cheng - our new Morning
2018-19 Student Council President - gave this stand-out speech at the Candidates Forum. With her permission, here it is for you to read:

Shelly Cheng giving her speech at the 2018 Candidate Forum
Director Tim Doyle is listening in the background

Good morning, everyone. I am Shelley Cheng, and I come from China. Now I’m a low advance student of San Mateo Adult School. My morning class teacher is Jessica,and my afternoon class teachers are Patricia, Lisa and Lily.

It’s my pleasure to have the chance to run for president of the student council. I have a husband ,a daughter and a dog, so I am used to handling the problems well.

First, I would like to share my international experiences with you. My friends usually say that I am a nice and understanding person. One of the reasons is that I have been to many different countries. I lived in the Czech Republic for two years, in Germany for four years and I have been to more than 15 countries. I learned about different cultures and  I love to communicate with different people.

I was a marketing manager for 10 years in China. My work involved organizing , planning , and executing the National College Photo Contest, exhibitions, lectures, introducing magazine to the clients, and training management teams. In addition, I can make an efficient schedule, work well with people from all walks of life, and I know how to interact professionally with both co-workers and clients.

I am not only driven at work, but also at play. I am proud to say that I have run 3 Marathons, even though I ran very slowly. Constant exercise gives me a healthy body and strength.

I couldn’t imagine six months ago that I could stand up and say so much in English about  myself. When I first came to the United States, I felt anxious , I lost my confidence and direction. I even was afraid to talk with people who speak in English.

Since I have been studying at San Mateo Adult School, I have gained valuable experience with the help of all the outstanding teachers.  I got back my confidence that I had when I was a manager, traveling the world, and running marathons.

Now my life has goals with meaning. This school has improved not only my language skills, but also my social skills. I have made many friends and participated in many great activities, such as International day, Government academy, being a Garden Club member, volunteering for the food bank, and being a student ambassador.

I would like to share my experience with you because we are the same, because I want to do something to give back to our school, to give back to everyone who helped me and encouraged me.

When I am president, I will try my best to serve students and create a good communication bridge between students, teachers and the director. I will assist teachers and the student council in organizing activities to help the students improve language skills and make more friends.

That’s why I am standing here.You can believe me that I can do this, I can be your president. Together, we can do better.

I hope you will vote for me. Thank you very much!

Thank you, Shelly, for sharing your speech with us, and for making the commitment to share your skills through public service to our school.

A Team of Leaders
2018-19 Morning Student Council
Secretary Claudia Asselborn
Vice President Shereen Lata
President Shelly Cheng
City of San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla

At the Student Council Election Forum for the 2018-19 school year, Wendy Samayoa passed the torch to new student leaders and said her farewells in a moving and powerful speech which we share here, with her permission.

Wendy Samayoa giving her farewell speech
at the Fall 2018 Student Council Candidate Forum
Alt Text:   Wendy dressed in black at microphone
with Director Tim listening behind her.

Farewells seem to always have a bittersweet flavor with feelings that are intertwined, although their nature is different. I feel sadness, satisfaction
and also, a certain relief to be able totransfer the responsibilities of the position because it’s time for new
leaders. But, above all, the feeling that gains the most strength is, without a doubt, gratitude.Today culminates an important period in my life, a period in which it was
a privilege and an honor to preside over this Student Council. It was a year
of commitment and, in turn, a year of projects, opportunities and challenges,
of hard work,meetings, struggles for the improvement of student services,
community work and professional and human growth. I must admit that it
was not easy to carry out this task, but it was worth the effort and, in exchange,
we obtained achievements and agreements for the benefit of all of us. As
President of the 2017-2018 Student Council of the San Mateo Adult School,
I want to thank you for your support and all the work you do every day so
that adult education in San Mateo is getting better and better.Thanks to the administration, especially to Director Tim Doyle for
welcoming us, for listening to our complaints and supporting our activities.
Thanks to Stephanie Kriebel, our teacher adviser, for the trust and responsibility
placed in us, for her never-ending support. Thank you to all the teachers and
staff members who in different ways always give their support. Thanks to those
who with their work and enthusiasm accompanied me in this adventure,
because they have believed in us and always supported us. Also, I would like
to acknowledge Vice President Jackie Lhereux and Secretary Williams Avelino,
who were key leaders in the work done and who accompanied me in the quest
for better student services. I would also like to thank the representatives of
each classroom, for the work they did and for always showing up to
participation our activities.For me it is very humbling to be in front of you today;
Being president of this school taught me something important: believe in
myself and believe in what we can achieve together. This "faith" in us has
materialized over the course of a year, work that I have done with selflessness,
honesty and team effort.During my time at this school, one of the areas that
most interested me was being able to collaborate in various activities. The
possibility of going with my colleagues to different experiences allowed me
to know the difficult realities in which we live day by day and also to understand
that adult education is the only transforming force that can make a difference in
many families. Beyond solidarity, we need adult education to be the driving

force of a country, so that we all advance alone and achieve the merits,
not thanks to the charity of a few, but to our own work.

We are not numbers nor are we the results of a test; We are people who
want to change the world and for that we need tools that are not only
learned in classes, but with experiences that allow us to get out of the
bubble in which we live and open our eyes so that we can see the
reality of this country that today, more than ever, needs our
critical look as a starting point for real structural changes in the country.

I am talking with you as a student and partner committed to generating a
positiveimpact in our school. Today, this country needs young people and
adults who strive not only to be better, but to offer their efforts for all and
do it selflessly, and we are the ones who have the tools to transform this
country.

To you, the candidates. I wish you much encouragement and strength in
this new stage, and no advice because I know that you are committed to
yourselves and this school, and have the vision, qualities and experience
to carry on this journey. Know that you can count on my support at any time.

It has been a pleasure for me to represent all of you and to be able to work
so that our
vision is always within reach. I thank you all for the support and I hope that my work
has been to your liking and that you will carry on this mission. The sky is not the limit!

A Team of Leaders
Director Tim Doyle, Candidates Claudia, Shereen, Shelly,
Student Council Advisor Stephanie, San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla,
Former Leaders Wendy, Jackie, and Williams

After her speech, Student Council Adviser Stephanie presented Wendy with a special award from OTAN. This award is given to two Adult Education students each year, chosen from students across the state of California. Congratulations, Wendy!

Student Council Adviser Stephanie Kriebel
presenting Wendy with special award from OTAN.

Student Council Adviser Stephanie and Wendy
holding special award from OTAN

Wendy Samayoa accepts her diploma
from SMUHSD Trustee Linda Lees Dwyer

Wendy Samayoa shares the speech she gave at the San Mateo Adult School 2018 Graduation.

Prepare to be inspired!

There is a Spanish quote that sums up feelings and thoughts at this moment “La direfencia entre lo possible y lo impossible esta en la determination de una persona.”  “The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in the determination of a person.” Hello My name is Wendy Samayoa and I am here because of my determination!!

This is an evening that marks the end of an important stage in my life.  My road to educational success has not been easy as it has not been for others here tonight.  I’m from Guatemala. When I was a child my parents got divorced and my mother made the decision to come to the United States, while my father and I remained in Guatemala. I was raised by my grandparents and my aunt, along with my two sisters.   My early education from elementary school to high school was very successful. I knew from very early on I wanted to be teacher. Knowing what I wanted to do I was determined to succeed.

I enrolled at the local university and graduated as a Professor. After I graduated from the university, I started my Master’s degree in Psychology. Then my road to success became more difficult. I was unable to finish my degree because of the violence and political turmoil that was going on. Being constantly threatened and no longer feeling safe I decided to come to the United States.  My heart remains in Guatemala but my road to my success is in America.

I came to the United States in July 2016 to live with my mother. The transition from Guatemala to the United States was much more difficult than I could have imagined   At that time my English skills were very poor and as a result I could not get a job here. It was very important that I improve my English skills before continuing my education.  We looked into enrolling at CSM but I could not afford the tuition fee at that time. Determined my mother and I continued to search for the right school. My mother suggested that I could go to San Mateo Adult School and enroll in ESL classes.

I enrolled in High Intermediate ESL level in fall of 2016.  The first semester was difficult since I had a hard time communicating with other students in English   Soon my English communication skills improved and my confidence in learning returned. Choosing to return to school was a hard decision that changed my life but I wanted to continue my studies and determined to earn a degree in this country.  I was told that the Adult School offered a High School Diploma Program. This program was entirely different than ESL because you need to pass required academic courses to earn a High School Diploma. Many of the courses I took in high school in Guatemala were not transferrable in the US so I needed to make up 30 credits.  This has not been easy, there were times I wanted to give up my educational dreams and just go to work. But with the assistance and guidance of the High School Diploma staff I am now a high school graduate ready to start the next chapter in my life. I want to give a special thanks to Carlota, Mr Beall, Ms. Thompson, Mr. Creegan, Frantz and George for always encouraging me to continue my education and share my success with others.

My confidence and determination has instilled in me to be a role model to other students who have had or has similar difficulties in life. In the summer of 2017, I joined the school’s Ambassador Program, a position which I continue to hold today. In fall 2017, I ran for the Student Council President position and won. I have been a pioneer in two San Mateo Adult School pilot programs: ESL City Government Academy, and the ESL Eat Healthy Be Active Community Health Program. This Summer I am volunteering as a teacher’s aide in a Low Beginning ESL class.

I met my first long term goal and will finally receive my High School Diploma. My short term goals are to continue to improve my English skills, and go to community college next year.  And now, my second long term goal is to be a teacher here in the United States.

I would not be here tonight speaking in front of you without saying thank you to those who have always been by my side. Thanks God, my mom, my family, my teachers and my friends, thank you for supporting me in my decisions even when you did not agree with them. THANK YOU is not enough to express what I feel, this mixture of sadness, happiness and satisfaction to reach the goal.  And to all other graduates here tonight be proud of what you have accomplished and continue to follow your dreams.

So… remember “La direfencia entre lo possible y lo impossible esta en la determination de

una persona.”  “The difference between the possible and the impossible lies in the

determination of a person.”

Thank you, Wendy, for inspiring us to choose courage, effort, and persistence.

Learn more about the SMAS High School Diploma program here.

Two big hurricanes hit the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean very hard.  Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma brought terrible flooding and catastrophic winds.  Buildings collapsed.  Roads flooded.  People and animals drowned. 

Climate Change has intensified hurricanes - made them longer and stronger.  The damage caused by these hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and other Southeastern states, and the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other islands in the Caribbean is very bad.  It will take a long time for communities to recover.

Hurricane Irma

Devastation from Hurricane Irma

A family escaping flooding in Houston

from Hurricane Harvey

The SMAS community came together to help these communities.  Some staff and students came together with a plan:  a bake sale benefit.  They held a bake sale on Tuesday, September 12 at noon and in the evening, and another smaller sale at breaktime on Wednesday, September 13th.  Many folks helped in many ways - from baking and donating goods for sale to creating wonderful signs to helping at the sale.   

Together, we raised 2,201 dollars and 66 cents!

This money will help communities recover

and rebuild.  Recovery from a disaster is a long-term process.   There are many things to do. Many things to build and repair.  And people have experienced trauma.  They need time to recover emotionally and mentally as well

as physically.

SMAS Garden Club

donated 100 dollars

For the noon sale, the students of Teachers Mary, Vasyl, and Betty raised funds in their classroom. 

The Garden Club made a special donation of one hundred dollars.

Staff and Students - including Sayaka, Marina, Carolyn, Patty, Mary, Jessica, Yoshie, Cristina, Denise, Pam, Cynthia and others helped to organize and manage the event. 

Cynthia, Sayaka, Marina, and Carolyn 

Delicious homemade empanadas were a real hit

So many treats -

including beautiful

cupcakes made by 

Carlota's daughter

So many staff and students 

contributed delicious 

food for the benefit.

SMASrs pulled together as a community again in the evening for part two of the Hurricane Bakesale Benefit. Teacher Jay and Nang rigged up lights so that everyone could see the tasty selections. Bienvenida, Nilson, and another student volunteered to manage the coffee kiosk.

Betty, Stephanie, Carolyn, Donna, Cristina, Denise, and Guy all helped manage the food and donation line.   People came together to make this good thing happen.

The evening benefit.

SMASrs lining up to purchase treats -

in benefit of Hurricane survivors

Thank you to everyone who turned out with donations of delicious food and donations of money to help communities in need. When we come together as a community to help other communities it's a win-win for everyone. 

The 2,201.66 in donations will go to:

Red Cross:  First on scene with support

Houston Humane Society:  Rescuing large and small animals

Marion Thatcher’s Fund for Adult Ed in Texas:  Help Adult Ed recover

Habitat for Humanity Texas:  Rebuild housing for low-income families

Catholic Charities Hurricane Relief:  Helping immigrants recover 

St John Community Foundation in the US Virgin Islands

Special thank you to Teacher Jessica's students for these wonderful signs!

Habitat for Humanity

will help people rebuild lost homes

Marion Thatcher's Fund will help Adult Education

Catholic Charities helps immigrants

The Red Cross is first on the scene with emergency shelters and help

Mohulamu Tau accepting his diploma

Mohulamu Tau recently graduated with a High School Diploma from San Mateo Adult School.  He was one of the speakers at the graduation.  Here, with his permission, is his speech. 

Graduation

            Good evening family and friends of the San Mateo Adult School Class of 2017. I would like to thank you all for joining us tonight as we celebrate our accomplishments and the beginning of the next chapter of our lives. There has been many times where I’ve been asked “what does Adult School mean to me?” Adult School may not be important to others, but it is a program that has changed my life. This program has been so much more than school to me. “Another Chance” I would think to myself. Ever since I have met Mr. T, Ms. Carlota, and Mrs. Thompson, I came to realize that Adult School is more than just another chance; it was my opportunity to prove all those who doubted me wrong, and to show that nothing could stop me. Thank you to you all at the Adult School who has opened my eyes to see the bigger picture. It was the push that we needed to remind us that we have a purpose in this world, and that we must work hard to find it. Each of us here in this program has faced trials that have steered us away from our educational paths, but we are here today to show that we are able to continue. We all come from different struggles and lifestyles, but we are here before you to show that it is never too late to continue your education.

            Before this program I attended Aragon and Peninsula High School. The challenges I faced had limited my time at these schools, but without these challenges I would not have been able to be standing here before you tonight. Since I was a kid, I knew I would be attending Aragon once I reached High School. My two older brothers and many other relatives had graduated from there, so it was only right that I had followed suit. It was something that I’ve imagined my whole life, playing football for Coach Sell and becoming an Aragon graduate. Making the Varsity football team was the highlight of my freshmen year but unfortunately, during my sophomore year; school was not a priority to me. I slacked off so much that eventually Peninsula High School was my next destination. Getting sent to Peninsula my junior year really helped me get back on track. My main goal was to get back on that football field. That is all I wanted to do, play football. The staff at Peninsula encouraged me to do my work and achieve my goals, to attend Aragon once again and finish my senior year off strong graduating an Aragon Don.

Sad to say, my senior year did not go as planned. In the beginning of the school year my family received devastating news that one of my brothers were missing. A day later, a day before his 25^th birthday, we were given the news that my brother Tani has passed away. It was a pain that I was incapable of dealing with. It numbed my body to the bone. People will say to “use the incident as motivation” but it was harder said than done. For a short period of time, I had lost all motivation for school. The loss had taken its toll on me and my mind was not in the right place. Once I was back into school for a couple days, I was given the choice to stay at Aragon or go back to Peninsula to finish off the school year. Since I was unable to play again I made my decision to go back to Peninsula High School where I had continued to slack off and eventually dropped out of school. I didn’t think I was ever going to have the drive to want to go back to school. However, because of Mr. T, I began to have hope once again.

Mr. T and the SMAS Team

            At first, I was skeptical about Adult school. As you would expect, Mr. T is a very convincing man. Once he got my number he became a best friend, a mentor and a motivator. He would always call just to check up on me and continues to until this day. The love and support I received made me want to accomplish so much more. I love you Mr. T and don’t you ever forget that!

Coming to Adult school was one of the best decisions I have made. I want to take this time to show my love and appreciation to a very special woman in my life. She is the one that pushed me the hardest to get my work done, the one that did not ever give up on me even when I gave up on myself. Arianna, I would not be up here if it weren’t for you. From keeping me from going out with all the boys to dragging me to the library for a couple hours even if you didn’t have homework to do. You are always thinking about not only what is best for you but, what’s best for the both of us. Standing up here tonight is one example of “our” hard work. I love you and thank you for everything you do for us. To ALL my family and friends, especially Toa, Vaasi, Gabe, Carolyn, Andria, and Papa thank you for being there for me through all the ups and downs and never turning your back on me. To ALL my other brothers, nothing changed. Staying solid, the way we were raised. To my brother and everyone watching from above, I love you guys and keep guiding me in the right direction. Last but not least to the woman who brought me into this world, I love you so much mom. You do more than enough not only for my siblings and I, but for every persons lives you come apart of. In the words of Tupac “there’s no way that I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand: you are appreciated.” Thank you.

Congratulations, Mohulamu, for overcoming obstacles and reaching success.  You inspire us!

The Class of 2017

Mohulamu Tau