Marta Marcos

Marta Marcos is a Cañada College alumna and aspiring Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) recipient in Special Education. Marta became involved at Cañada as an adult student looking to become fluent in English. After enrolling in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Cañada, Marta discovered her affinity for Early Childhood Education and decided to begin her career journey with this as her focus. 

 

 

The ESL program at Cañada College prepares immigrant and international students to achieve their academic, vocational, and personal goals. In alignment with the college mission, the ESL program offers classes so that students can develop language and academic skills including analytical, critical, creative thinking, and effective communication. Students completing this program will be able to produce and interpret oral and written English in order to successfully enter academic/career pathways. Students will also be able to successfully use academic resources, study skills, and technology competency skills to develop specific career goals through a Student Educational Plan (SEP) and/or identifying potential educational opportunities at Cañada College.

One of the biggest challenges Marta faced during this endeavor was learning a new language. Marta says, “My first language is Spanish so learning English was a challenge.” Another challenge Marta faced was learning to organize her time appropriately and effectively to manage her life as a student, as a professional, as a mother, and as a wife. Marta shares, “I overcame this challenge by working hard and maintaining my determination.”

During Marta’s college journey, she was guided by Cañada College through their insightful knowledge of university transfer and education plans. Marta exclaims, “Thanks to my teachers, counselors, and Cañada programs my transition to a university was much simpler! At Cañada, I received orientations, workshops, and tutorials that helped me better understand the transfer process and how to succeed.” Marta attributes her academic success to her supportive daughters, husband, friends, professors, and counselors, for “each one of them taught me to believe in myself and work hard to continue with my goals, no matter what.”
 
Marta advises students with similar goals to herself to, “Remember, no matter how difficult the situation is to stick to your goals. The road to success is long, difficult, and exhausting. At times, you will feel like you can't take it anymore, but do not let anyone turn off your light or make you feel like you can't achieve your goals. The most important thing to remember is that success is not measured by how many times you fall, but rather it is how many times you are willing to have the courage to get back up and affirm here I go again. Do not give up, believe in yourself, and keep working toward your goals!”