Olga’s Story: A Long Journey

Olga Escobar first connected with Literacy Connection (then known as Blue Ridge Literacy Council) in 2007.

A nurse in Colombia, Olga came to the United States determined to continue her career. But first, she had to pass two challenging exams: the TOEFL and the NCLEX.

With the support of her tutor, she did exactly that.

Olga went on to work as a care coordinator at the Henderson County Department of Public Health. Later, when she became eligible for U.S. citizenship, she returned to Literacy Connection for help preparing for her naturalization interview and passed that, too.

Her connection to Literacy Connection didn’t end there. She sought additional assistance with writing and pronunciation so that she could be even more successful at her job. Today, Olga serves as Case Management Supervisor at the Health Department, leading a team of nurses and supporting families with young children across our community.

To this day, Olga still meets weekly with her former tutor, Barbara , sometimes for a walk, sometimes for a meal, always for conversation. Barbara says, “Olga is like the daughter I never had.”

Olga reflected about “how the support we receive improves our lives and the lives of others through us.”

Those lives-changing connections are central to our work. We empower adult learners who go on to serve our community in powerful ways.