06/18/2026
Most of our students' stories of studying here at LCBC are ones of small steps that don't sound very dramatic, but make a dramatic difference in their lives and the lives of their children. Here is a true story of one of our students that embodies so much of the spirit and determination of all of our students.
During the war in El Salvador, a young girl named Clara was constantly under threat of forced conscription to an anti-government militia. She sought refuge in the local local church to avoid kidnap by the "recruiters" in the middle of the night. She started to make her way to the United States in order to escape the turmoil in her country. She traveled alone by bus, taxi and on foot. It took her fifteen days. She arrived speaking very little English and was granted asylum status. Clara learned English well enough to work two different jobs, marry, raise a family and but a modest house. She is now a single mother.
She wanted to become a U.S. citizen, but knew she needed help if she was going to pass the test. Clara was determined to vote in the next presidental election. She came to the Literacy Council of Benton County and was assigned a tutor who was thrilled to help her. They worked hard for six months. She and her tutor went to Ft. Smith for the exam and Clara passed on the first try.
Clara said, "After I passed the test, I was very happy because it's different, you have more oppurtunity in the United States. It's my dream, you know? Everybody dreams about America."
Clara continued to study at LCBC with her tutor. One day in early October she came for tutoring and was very dressed up...suit, and high heels...and the staff all commented on how great she looked. The staff asked her if she had a job interview or something. She told us wi
th a big smile and a lot of pride, "No I have just been to the courthouse to vote early for the President of the United States."
