In recognition of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, University City Adult Education & Literacy (UCAEL), in partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is highlighting how adult education creates new opportunities, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities.

For Maria Valencia, an ML Aide at Brittany Woods Middle School, that journey began at the University City Public Library, where she enrolled in UCAEL’s English language classes as an immigrant learning to navigate a new country.

“When I first came to the University City Library to study English through the Adult Education program, I never imagined how much that experience would change my life,” Maria shared. “My main goal was simply to improve my English and feel more confident communicating in my new environment. But those English classes ended up opening doors that I never expected.”

With encouragement from her instructor and AE Coordinator, Clay Ware, Maria pursued an opportunity with University City Schools and began working as an ML Aide. She later participated in UCAEL’s free, DESE-approved Substitute Teacher/Paraprofessional Certification Training Course, where she strengthened her skills in classroom management, communication, professionalism, and instructional support and earned her DESE Substitute Certificate.

“Working in the district has taught me so much. I have grown not only professionally, but also personally,” Maria said. “My English has improved, but more importantly, my confidence has grown. I have learned that I am capable of doing much more than I sometimes believed I could.”

Today, Maria supports migrant and multilingual children work that is especially meaningful because of her own experience as a Latina and immigrant.

“I understand that adapting to a new country, a new language, and a new environment can be challenging,” she said. “Being able to support these children, help them feel welcome, and make them feel that they belong gives me an incredible sense of purpose.”

Maria’s journey has come full circle. She entered the University City Public Library as an English learner searching for her place in a new country. Today, she works in a University City school helping students who are experiencing some of the challenges she once faced.

“For me, University City has become more than just a place where I work or study. It has become a community where I have been given opportunities to grow, contribute, and feel that I belong.”

Maria and fellow former UCAEL English learner Ritsuko Apron, now an ML Aide at University City High School, demonstrate the power of connecting adult education, workforce training, credentials, and employment opportunities.

Ritsuko’s journey also reflects the importance of providing adult learners with meaningful opportunities while they are still building their educational and professional pathways.

“It is absolutely never too late to learn. I am fully dedicated to supporting our students so they can acquire the essential knowledge they need right now, while they have this vital opportunity to learn in high school.”

For Dr. Bertha Richardson, UCAEL Paraprofessional/Substitute Instructor, witnessing Maria and Ritsuko grow through the program has reinforced the profound impact that adult education can have—not only on individual learners, but on the broader school community.

“As their instructor, I have experienced a profound sense of humbled reverence and validated purpose. I felt an immense awe and respect watching these two students balance second jobs, parenting duties, commitment to show up to every class, and do the heavy cognitive lifting of acquiring a new language and learning new skills.”

She describes witnessing their transformation as particularly meaningful.

“There was a joyful, almost parental pride in witnessing the exact moment each student stopped hesitating, found her voice, and spoke with unshakeable confidence. The fulfilling realization that through our work together, we didn't just transfer language skills—we helped unlock an exciting future and built a more connected learning community was exceptional.”

Dr. Richardson also emphasizes that the impact of programs like UCAEL extends well beyond the individual learner.

“The potential impact of this program is long-reaching and significant for the School District of University City and the state of Missouri.”

As Maria reflects on her journey, she offers a powerful reminder of the impact educators and mentors can have:

“I truly believe that sometimes one person’s encouragement can change the direction of someone’s life, and your encouragement made a difference in mine.”

Maria and Ritsuko’s stories demonstrate that adult education is about much more than learning English or earning a credential. It is about opening doors, building confidence, creating career pathways, and helping learners see a future beyond what they once imagined.

Their experiences also illustrate the lasting value of investing in adult learners. When individuals gain the language, skills, credentials, and confidence to enter new professional roles, the benefits extend beyond their own lives. They bring their experiences and perspectives into schools and classrooms, strengthen connections with multilingual families, and help create more welcoming and inclusive learning communities.

For University City, these sories are a powerful example of what can happen when adult education and workforce opportunities come together: learners become leaders, students become role models, and communities become stronger.