Powerful Schools would like to introduce Hana, a Powerful Schools’ alum, who was gracious enough to share her story with us!
As a young, Somali girl, Hana struggled to learn English. Now a student of the University of Washington – Bothell, she credits much of her success as a student to the Powerful Schools Reading Intervention program she participated in during elementary school. Hana, the oldest of six, now attends college, works and helps with her younger siblings. Her youngest brothers are now in the Reading Intervention program at Hawthorne.
“In elementary school it was difficult being a bilingual student, who is learning English for the first time and not able to get help from home, because my parents couldn’t speak English. Powerful Schools helped me become the person I am. Today, when I am in my college classes, I don’t feel disadvantaged. I can read, speak and write at the same level as my peers,” stated Hana.
We were fortunate to share Hana’s story via video at our 2012 “Inspiring Minds & Creating Opportunities” Annual Breakfast in March! Check it out for yourself below:
Me and Hana both went to school together which was amazing. She a great young woman that has blossomed into a beautiful woman. I had ran into her at Powerful Schools Annual Breakfast and I was so happy to see her there. She is so happy with her life and she even shared words of encouragement with me.