Nine years ago, Damaris and her family migrated from Michoacán, Mexico, to Sunnyvale, California. Due to economic struggles, Damaris was unable to graduate from high school, and her knowledge of technology was very limited.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Damaris found herself unprepared to guide her two children as they transitioned to online learning. Not only were classes taught over Zoom, Damaris was also expected to communicate with her children’s teachers via email, which she did not know how to do. She felt lost and overwhelmed.
One day, Damaris received a call from her children’s school inviting her to participate in a “basic technology” class sponsored by the Sunnyvale District and the Community Tech Network. After graduating from this course, Damaris continued her studies through a beyond-the-basics class.
Since the course was taught in Spanish, Damaris’ native language, she felt comfortable asking questions and was able to more easily absorb the information. She also says she had a great teacher.
“Maria [Vazquez], my instructor, was very patient and clear in her teaching style. People learn in different ways, and Maria covers all those ways of learning — visual, abstract, and interactive. I like the way Maria does it.”
Damaris says that learning to finally use email has been extraordinarily useful. She can finally communicate with her students’ teachers, and she says that she and her children also email throughout the day. It’s a great way for her to practice her new skill while also reminding her kids how much she loves them and is wishing them a great day.
Damaris is extremely grateful to CTN for the support and skills that it has given her. She says, “Technology keeps advancing and advancing, and if we don’t learn how to use it, we will not be able to help ourselves and our children in the future. I think that all people should take these classes to keep up with technology nowadays since it is a necessity, not a luxury.”
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