Demetria Anita Corro

Santa Ana College - School of Continuing Education

Nominated in 2025

I met Anita last month at a school event, and her story reminded me why our work in adult education is so powerful—it’s not just about learning English or earning degrees; it’s about reclaiming your voice, building a future, and inspiring others to believe they can too.

Anita shared how, after moving to Tustin from San Diego, newly married and pregnant with her first child, she asked her neighbor if there was a school nearby where she could learn English. Her neighbor mentioned there was a school in Santa Ana. Anita was determined to learn English and start building a life here, so she enrolled in the ESL program at Centennial Education Center, part of Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education.

She started at the very beginning level, and those first days were anything but easy. Each class left her feeling drained, and at times, discouraged. She often felt self-conscious about her pronunciation and worried about being misunderstood.

When she reached out to counselors, they didn’t just offer academic advice—they gave her tools and encouragement that changed everything. They recommended she attend labs, join conversation groups, and listen to English music. She took their advice seriously and started building new habits. She wrote her grocery lists in English, watched English-language movies, and intentionally visited places where she’d have to speak English. Slowly but surely, she began to understand—and then, she began to thrive.

Anita also turned to her teachers, asking for strategies to improve. They responded with kindness and care, sharing their own experiences and learning techniques. With every bit of advice she received, Anita applied it. Her progress was steady and determined, level by level.

While in the ESL program, Anita also enrolled in the high school diploma program at the School of Continuing Education—and she completed it. Earning her high school diploma marked another major milestone in her journey and opened even more doors for her future.

There were times she wanted to quit. Balancing her education with the demands of motherhood and the pressure of learning a new language was overwhelming. But every time she felt like giving up, her teachers would share their own journeys, reminding her that she wasn’t alone. That support helped her push through.

Today, Anita holds a Master’s degree in Spanish from California State University, Fullerton. What began as a brave decision to learn English in a new country led her all the way to graduate school. Her journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, community, and the life-changing impact of adult education.