Wendy (on the left) smiling with SMAS classmates
while volunteering at the San Mateo Public Library

At San Mateo Adult School, students learn many skills to help them succeed.  Some students progress from the classroom to jobs.  They are learner to earner success stories.  

Wendy Yeung is one of these success stories.  She agreed to share her experience in order to help other students move forward toward their own goals.

Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your story! 


What is your name?  

 

Wendy Yeung

Where are you from - what country or part of the world?

 

I am from Hong Kong China. Hong Kong is in the south part of China and was a British colony for 100 years.

What classes did you take at San Mateo Adult School?  Who were your teachers?

 

I took Distance Learning class of teacher Cynthia, ESL Advanced Low Class of teacher Jessica, ESL Adv High Listen/speak Class of teacher Vasyl, ESL Advanced Writing class of teacher Lisa and Online class of teacher Carol.

What are your doing now - what is your job or volunteer work?

 

I am a multi-purpose clerk in Lucky Supermarket. I work in the Berkeley Deli Department. Although I have no experience on that before, but they give me a chance.

 

 

What helped you find this job or volunteer position?

 

My husband David inspired me to create my new life in America.  But no feedback from online job hunting. I went through a loss of confidence when i couldn't understand what other people were saying.

San Mateo Adult School opened a window for me to get to know American people and American culture. That is the first step for all new immigrant. so meaningful! The teachers of School let us study in English environment.

When I couldn't speak in English, my sister Jessica accompanied me to read aloud at home. When I was afraid to find a job in person, my friend Shirley encouraged me to go into the store to express myself. the most critical step is my families and friends' support.

 

I have to survive. I know deeply I want to live in a real life but not only American Dream.

What helped you the most at San Mateo Adult School?

 

The professional teachers at SMAS helped me the most.  Patricia Villar as a transition navigator said to me: You don't know what you can do, until you try.   Teacher Cynthia, Jessica  and Lisa taught me a lot of kinds of ways to learn English.   Teacher Vasyl told us more about American culture.

 

Do you have advice for other SMAS students - about learning English, looking for a job, taking risks, doing something new in the USA?  

 

New world, new life! That is what i think. I am not the best, but I will try my best.

And English Learning will stay with me for the rest of my life in America.

 

 

Thank you so much, Wendy, for sharing your experience.  Your advice is spot-on and will help many people.  Thank you!  

 

Click here to see more #Learner2Earner success stories.

Evening Student Council Board Member Simone Coelho shared this exellent speech at the 2018-19 Evening Candidate Forum.   Here, with her permission, is her speech:

Evening Student Council Board Member
Simone Coelho
Alt Text:  Smiling woman with
wavy brown hair and glasses
wearing a black jacket

Good Evening.

My name is Simone Coelho. I am running for president. I am here today requesting your vote to be the voice of each student here at San Mateo Adult School. I want to represent our school as well.

I am here today because I believe everybody deserves access to education and I stand for adult school.

I will be here to:

• Listen to your concerns.
• I will be bringing new ideas to our campus.
• Be hard working when it comes to make things happen.
• I will lead keeping in mind your interests.
• And most of all, I am eager to make adult school even better.

Again, my name is Simone. I humbly ask this evening for your vote.

Together we can make great things happen.

Thank you for listening!

Evening Student Council Vice President Olivia Velazquez shared her story and this stellar speech at the 2018-19 Evening Candidate Forum.   Here, with her permission, is her wonderful speech.

Evening Student Council Vice President
Olivia Velasquez
Alt Text:  Smiling woman with short hair
in white blouse, black tie and vest.

Good evening, students and staff members.  My name is Olivia Velasquez and I'm running for student council vice president.  I'm from Guadelajara, Mexico.  I'm remember my first months here.  I was a low beginning ESL student when I started in this school.  Now I'm a high intermediate student.  I worked hard and I learned that nothing succeeds if there is no effort.  

 

It probably won't surprise you that I have decided to run for student council for the role of vice president.  As student council vice president, I will strive to continue making improvements in this school, with my colleagues, for the benefit of all.  I know that the student council works side-by-side with the student body and the administration.  Today I am asking for your vote.  Should you elect me, I will listen to your concerns and work hard for you.  Thank you.

Thank you, Olivia, for sharing your speech and for making the commitment to serve our community!

A new year of student-led democracy has begun at San Mateo Adult School!

After a week of campaigning on campus and speeches at the Candidate Forum, SMAS ESL and GED students voted for new officers for the 2018-19 school year.  

The new leadership teams are:

Shereen, Shelley, Claudia
Alt Text:  Three women standing in bright sunlight
in the school quad

Morning Student Council

• President:  Shelley Cheng
• Vice President:  Shereen Lata
• Secretary:  Claudia Asselborn
• Advisor Ai Ikeuchi

Evening Student Council

• President Carlos Diaz
• Vice President Olivia Velazquez
• Secretary Victor Linares
• Advisor Simone Coelho

Victor, Olivia, Simone,  Stephanie, Tim, Carlos
Alt Text:  Six people standing in the school quad in the evening

Read speeches from the Candidate Forums:

• Morning President Shelly's speech
• Morning Vice President Shereen's speech
• Morning Secretary Claudia's speech

• Evening President Carlos Diaz
• Evening Vice President Olivia Velasquez
• Evening Advisor Simone Coelho

Outgoing Morning Student Council President Wendy Samayoa gave a special farewell speech and was presented with a special award by Teacher Adviser Stephanie Kriebel.  Read Wendy's speech.

* * * * * 

Student Council gives students a voice at school, in the community, and in the state.

• Morning and evening Student Councils. 
• Officers are elected in the Fall for a one-year term. 
• English Secondary Language and GED classes choose two Class Representatives. 
• Student Councils meet once a month. 
• At meetings, discussion and voting about decisions.
• Minutes are taken at the meetings. 
• Class Reps report back to their classes 
• Teacher Advisor: Stephanie Kriebel    

Learn more about SMAS Student Council on the Student Council page of the school website.

Morning Student Council Secretary Claudia Asselborn shared her story and her vision of teamwork and progress at the 2018-19 Morning Candidate Forum.  Here, with her permission, is her wonderful speech.

Claudia speaking at the Morning Candidate Forum
Director Tim listening in the background

Good Morning Director Tim, teachers and students! Thanks for coming!

I would like to introduce myself because although many people know me, others still don’t.

My name is Claudia Asselborn and I am running for Secretary of the Student Council.

I am from Argentina. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. I worked as a substitute teacher and student counselor.  I also worked as an administrative assistant for eleven years in my country.

I came to California with my husband for his work. First, we lived in San Francisco for a few months, and then, we moved to San Mateo two years ago.  I've been studying English in San Mateo Adult School since then. I am Student Ambassador and joined in the program ESL City Government Academy.

My English was very poor, and to be honest, in my high school I was never a good English student. But studying English here in our school has changed my life! Learning English in a wonderful environment, in my opinion, is not only excellent, it is also a unique opportunity! Thanks all my teachers for teaching me.

Today, I am here in front of you because, as I said before, I am running for Secretary, and I would like to be part of the Student Council because I really enjoy creating ideas and working together as a team. I want to help organize activities to raise money for the Student Council and help our school. I am a friendly person, active, responsible, and helpful.

I promise to work together with the President and Vice President with openness and honesty.

Thank you for your time, thank you for listening me, and remember to vote for me:

Claudia Asselborn Secretary!

Thank you so much!

Leaders committed to serving the community:
Claudia, Shereen, Shelly, and City of San Mateo Mayor Rick Bonilla

Thank you, Claudia, for sharing your speech - and for your choice to serve and support the SMAS community! 

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

Ashley Tseng is a student in Distance Learning and High Intermediate Conversation class.  She is from Taiwan.  She has been a student at SMAS for one year.  In Distance Learning, Ashley is studying with the Connect with English program. One of the lessons focused on family decision making.  Here, she shares her response.

Children should participate in difficult family decisions. It is a good opportunity to learn how to make decisions.

 

In my country, children only need to read books. Pass tests. From kindergarten to high school to congratulate.  

 

Then during university, children need to learn to make decisions, find their passion, learn about the relationship, fall in love, how to deal with breaking up, many things children need to learn in these four years. It is tough. 

 

I agree with the American style of learning decisions from youth. My son has lived in the USA for one year. He learns how to make decisions about applying for college. It is tough for him. In Taiwan, the school and the teacher make decisions; the child follows the decisions.

 

Making decisions is more difficult than following them.

 

 

 

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.

There are many resources in the community to help us be healthy in mind, body, and relationship.


YMCA Representative giving out information to students



On June 27th, SMAS held a Wellness Tabling Fair so morning students could learn about some of these resources.   In the Fall, there will be a similar event for evening students. 

Both students and staff learned a lot.  Each of the organizations offers ways to be strong and healthy.

Here are the resources represented at the Tabling Fair:

	StarVista is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children, young people, adults, and families across San Mateo County. StarVista offers unparalleled counseling, prevention, early intervention and education resources and services to more than 34,000 people from diverse communities throughout San Mateo County every year, creating opportunities for healthier, stronger, and more hopeful lives.
	San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) provides a broad spectrum of services for children, youth, families, adults and older adults for the prevention, early intervention and treatment of mental illness and/or substance use conditions.
	National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) San Mateo County (SMC) is a non-profit organization which offers support, education, compassion and practical experience, to anyone needing to educate themselves about mental illnesses and their treatment for themselves or a loved one in San Mateo County.
	The San Mateo County Pride Center was born of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community over the years and stands for equity, inclusion, dignity, self-determination, and justice. Over a decade in the making, the Pride Center is the first ever LGBTQ+ community center in San Mateo County. Whether seeking behavioral health services or gathering in solidarity with others to share stories, build relationships, learn, grow, create, and heal together, LGBTQ+ individuals and communities throughout the Peninsula finally have a space to call their own!
	Our health and wellness facility offers everything you need to get well and stay well. With an indoor-heated pool, Y Kids childcare, and a deep offering of programs and group exercise classes, we are leading the community in youth development and healthy living.
	CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. From counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, our services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing.