Lirwane Tall went from not knowing English to writing us her story in her own words. Hear from her below as she reflects on her journey, growth, and the impact of determination and support.
“I came to the United States in 2015 with little to no English-speaking skills. At that time, I was scared. I stayed quiet, kept to myself, and avoided speaking because I was afraid of making mistakes. Over time, however, I realized that if I wanted a better future for myself and my family, I needed to learn English and step outside of my comfort zone.
I enrolled in English classes at Great Oaks Career Campuses and started working in the manufacturing plant at The Gorilla Glue Company. It was not easy balancing work, family, and school, but I stayed committed to improving myself and creating more opportunities for my children.
Along the way, someone encouraged me to connect with Cincinnati Works to help me earn my GED or high school diploma. Taking that advice changed my life. I enrolled at Dohn Community High School and proudly graduated with my high school diploma.
After graduation, I continued my educational journey at Cincinnati State Technical and moved into an office position within the company with the on-going support and guidance of Cincinnati Works. Today, I am proud to say that I earned my Associate Degree in Pre-Business Administration along with a certification in Organizational Leadership.
Working for a company like Gorilla Glue, which connects employees with resources and people who truly care about helping others better themselves and improve their families’ well-being, has been such a blessing. As a mother of five children, my entire household has benefited from Cincinnati Works services from tax assistance each year to valuable resources and support during difficult times.
My journey has not been easy, but it has been meaningful. I am grateful to everyone who supported me, encouraged me, guided me, and helped me believe in myself. My story is proof that with determination, support, and hard work, growth and success are possible.”
Lirwane, we celebrate your hard work, perseverance, and hope for a brighter future. Congratulations on all you’ve achieved and all that’s still to come.