Student Voices A Newsletter for the Berkeley Adult School
Welcome! You belong here. This is your school newsletter.
It is for you and about 2,000 Berkeley Adult School students. Something wonderful is happening here. What does everyone study? What more can we learn from each other? This newsletter will show the wonderful work of our many students, teachers, and school leaders. You may even find something you created for other students to see. ● Meet our new Principal, Brigitte Luna. ● CTE teacher, Suzy Kelly tells how Sophia H learns to be a café manager and a future business owner. ● Students tell about benefits of studying art and movement in LLL classes ● Intermediate ESL students write a group essay about making new friends. ● People from all over the world give advice to newcomers: courage and persistence. ● An Academic Skills student, Jinny K applies her thinking skills to changes in her family. ● Local Artist Ceci Bowman helps grow our community ● Beginning ESL students write to memorialize their loved ones.
We also welcome school leaders who have entered new positions at our school. Brigitte Luna is our new Principal. Clifton Carley is our new Vice Principal. Congratulations! Read to learn more. The Berkeley Adult School may be getting bigger and better than ever. Read on! This project was supported by a grant from the Berkeley Public Schools Fund. They support educator-led ideas that help make our schools more equitable, inclusive, and inspiring for all students. Image courtesy of Berkeley artist Ceci Bowman
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Remember Your Dreams: Meet our New Principal, Brigitte Luna By Youngchae J. In this interview, intermediate ESL student Youngchae talks with our new principal, Brigitte Luna. Youngchae is an educator herself, with experience teaching ESL to young people in Korea.
taking me to church every Sunday taught me to be grateful for what I have. Q2. What experiences shaped your educational journey and goals? A. In high school, a guest speaker who was the City Manager mentioned having a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA). That moment stuck with me. Though it took a long time, I eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and immediately went on to complete my MPA.
Photo by Barbara Andrews
Q1. How has your family influenced the person you are today? A. My mother came from Mexico and attended adult school to learn English. Helping her with spelling as a child gave me a deep appreciation for language learning and the immigrant experience. My paternal grandmother came from England and loved reading to me, which sparked my lifelong passion for reading (especially mystery books like Nancy Drew). My parents showed me what hard work looks like by working continuously, and
Q3. What inspired you to become a principal? Describe your career journey. A. I started my career working at the Social Security Administration for four years, but eventually wanted a more rewarding path and decided to become a teacher. I taught English at Hayward Adult School and later taught at a continuation high school in San Lorenzo, which I found deeply fulfilling. Driven by ambition to step into a leadership role, I applied for an administrative credential program. I called a friend so we could apply together—having a partner to study with made all the difference, and today we are both adult school principals. (Advice: If you
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want to do something big, don't do it alone.) Q4. What do you enjoy most about working with adult students at Berkeley Adult School? A. Because my mother attended adult school, I know firsthand the positive impact adult education has not just on individual students, but on their entire families. It is a true privilege to be part of students' journeys and help them take their next steps. Q5. What is special about having such a diverse student community?
Beyond vocabulary and grammar, what matters most is the human connection— smiles, gestures, and knowing that someone sees you and welcomes you. Q8. If you could give one piece of advice to every Berkeley Adult School student, what would it be? A. Don't forget about your dreams. Even while working hard, keep your hopes alive. It might take time, but you can achieve what you set your mind to—you could even be the first student from our school to become an astronaut! *
A. It makes our school culturally rich. Celebrating together and sharing traditions, food, and stories. Q6. Besides language or academic skills, what do you hope students gain from their experience here? A. Building relationships adds so much value to life—you never know who might help you find a job, become a lifelong friend, or support you when you need it most. Q7. What advice would you give to students who feel nervous or discouraged about learning and speaking English? A. Keep coming to class! Learning inside a supportive classroom community is much easier and faster than trying to do it alone.
Image courtesy of Berkeley artist Ceci Bowman
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From Student to Leader; Sophia's Culinary Journey By Suzy Kelly, Instructor, Career Technical Education (CTE) Dept. Sophia's experience shows what can happen when students connect learning with purpose. By combining the skills of ABE with the hands-on, career-focused learning of CTE, students can discover not only what they are capable of doing, but what they might become.
Learning in a kitchen has an immediate purpose. Kitchen math and higher-level reading can be difficult, and working as part of a team does not always come easily. Sophia has been open about some of the challenges she faced before entering the culinary classroom. Culinary Essentials gave her an opportunity to practice those skills in a hands-on environment. Measurements matter when preparing a recipe. Reading and following directions affect the final product. Communication becomes essential when an entire team is working together to serve customers. Over time, Sophia learned something equally important: how to ask for help when she needs it. She has become a confident communicator who collaborates with her classmates, handles multiple responsibilities at once, and maintains a positive attitude even when the kitchen gets busy. Those skills have helped Sophia blossom into an impressive student leader. During Berkeley Adult School's Pop-Up Café, she manages café service, coordinates with her team, and makes sure tasks are completed efficiently. Her classmates have
come to respect and rely on her leadership. Her involvement doesn't stop when class ends. Sophia has also become an enthusiastic advocate for Career Technical Education, sharing information about CTE classes with other students and members of the community. Her willingness to encourage others reflects the confidence she has developed through her own experience. Sophia asked for a strawberry cake for her birthday. An advanced student made it for her and we all celebrated the occasion with her. Photo by Suzy Kelly
For Sophia, culinary education is also connected to a larger dream: one day opening a business of her own. Each recipe, café service, team challenge, and leadership opportunity is helping her build skills she can carry toward that goal. *
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Student Voices from Life Long Learning By Kathleen Dixon. The coordinator of Life Long Learning shares the experiences of students' classes: drawing, movement, and Art History. Gloria Y has taken the Beginning Mary N has taken Kat Rowe's Cathy is a student in Ted Pierce's Feldenkrais Class with Ifátólú drawing class Gardner Art History class
“My study of the human figure from models”
“I am so grateful to have this class! It is the only place where I can continue my study of the human figure from models; I am a very low income senior and can afford the low cost. I need the class to be nearby in my community and quite accessible and comfortable, which it is. I value Kat's insightful guidance which she gears to the specific needs and level of each art student. I appreciate the informative handouts which supplement her presentations. Beginner or advanced, I highly recommend this class. Many of us had a lifelong wish to take art classes and develop our skills but lacked the means. Here is the chance to go for it at BAS.”
“More present in my body and in life” “This wonderful class helped me be more present in my body and in life. I was able to attend and enjoy the class despite my various physical limitations. The emphasis is on curiosity and enjoyment of the movement and the moment. Letting go. Our instructor, Ifátólú, brings a wealth of insight and experience which she generously shares. I really appreciate the zoom option as it would be very difficult if not impossible to attend in person…The class helps me get through each day by practicing what Iʼve learned. Reducing pain and increasing enjoyment and appreciation.”
“Immersed in art history” “I was so oriented to math and science during college and my career that I never took the time to really appreciate art...and now I am so glad to be immersed in art history thanks to our class. I have learned to love particular periods we have studied and am enjoying the wealth of resources we can now explore in museums via the internet.” *
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Making Friends: Ideas from ESL Students Group essay by Intermediate ESL students, Janice Tolman, ESL Dept. Making friends can be difficult, especially when you are new to a country or a school. ESL students have been thinking about friendship and sharing ideas about how we can build stronger connections at school.
Start small. You don't need to have a long conversation to begin a friendship. ● ● ● ●
Say hello. Easy! Ask about the weekend. Talk about school. Be a good listener.
Be curious. Our school brings together people from many countries, cultures, and generations. That gives us an unusual opportunity to meet people we might not meet somewhere else. Students share traditional customs as part of the EL Civics Cultural Harmony Project. Lily prepared beautiful and tasty tea eggs.
Learning English can help us have conversations with people we might not otherwise meet. Share activities. Friendships often grow when people have a shared activity. Doing something together can make conversation easier. We don't always have to know what to say! ● ● ● ●
Play games. Walk together. Meet for coffee. Go shopping after class.
Photo by Janice Tolman
Culture also affects the way people begin friendships. We can be curious about how other people communicate and show friendship. Look around and connect. ● Welcome a new student. ● Invite a classmate to join an activity. ● Share food and recipes.
Image courtesy of Berkeley artist Ceci Bowman
Sometimes study partners become friends. Our school is a place of belonging because of the connections we make with one another. Let's make room for more of them.
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Advice to Newcomers “Like Me” Students in Cindi Augsjoostʼs High Beginning ESL class give advice that we all can use. Question: What advice do you have for other people who are like you, living in the U.S., learning English, and making a new life? When students answer and imagine themselves as leaders, educators have brought another gift to our society. Teresa A., from Peru – The best advice I can give is to listen to music and watch TV in only English. When in Rome, do what the Romans do.
Leif Y., from ChinaMy advice is to stay healthy, keep learning, and respect other people. Make a new life!
Katty V., from BoliviaEach person has different difficulties in English, and this is where we must put more practice.
Abdou C., Mali & FranceMy advice is to keep your courage and study too.
Taher, from IranPractice listening to people.
Darwish M, from Egypt- Continue, and do not stop.
Ponpella C., from Mexico-
Juan R., from Mexico-
My advice is to learn English because it can give you more opportunities, better jobs, and a better future.
I would advise them to learn the language. It’s important in their lives.
Beth B., from EthiopiaStart what you want to do!
Mohammad Z.This opportunity (to study English) isn’t available to everyone in the world. Now that we have this opportunity, we must make good use of it.
Nadia J., from MexicoFirst of all, God bless you. I would advise you to give it a try, even if you’re afraid. It certainly won’t be easy, but you will succeed if you put in the work. You can do it- have faith!
Jairo G., from NicaraguaIt’s never too late to start studying English!
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My Family: Changing Bonds and Values by Jinni K., Adult Secondary Education (ASE) Dept.
Jinni K describes her large Korean family as the children grow and social norms shift. The academic-focus in the Adult Secondary Education classes empowers students to reflect on the dynamic relationships among individuals, their families, and society.
Including relatives and cousins, my family is big. On my father's side, he has six siblings including himself. All my uncles and aunts have two children, so in total, we are twenty-four people. We used to hang out a lot when the children were young, but as the children got older, the family gathered only on the big holidays such as New Year's Day and Thanksgiving Day. I have relatives on my mother's side too, but we don't see each other regularly. It is because Korean society used to be man-centered and patriarchy was the tradition. It is more neutral now. Anyway, the family members who have a strong bond with me are my parents, brother, and my brother's wife. (Oh my God, I forgot to put my husband!) The closest person to me is my mother because she was the main parent for me. (My father
was always busy earning money.) My mother has so much in common with me. There are values we both agree on with the environment, politics, and justice. We enjoy having talks about these great ideas. I am still getting to know my husband. We are different in many ways, but I think our relationship will grow closer as we share more experiences together.
Photo: Jenni K by Boi Hien Augustini
Ceci Bowman: Our Own Berkeley Artist Ceci Bowman grew up in Berkeley. You can visit her workshop and gallery in Shattuck Commons. Her compositions are full of movement, vibrant colors and bold shapes. She is inspired by mid-century modern textiles and her sense of fun and whimsy. A multimedia artist, her work includes illustrations in the New York Times, home textiles, street art, and fine art. Thank her for sharing her joyful art with our school!
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In Memoriam: Stories of Family Love and Loss By Ena Isabel, Ricardo R., Ricardo M., Guihua, and Xue L. in Jonah Hall’s Beginning High ESL class. ESL students thrive when teachers create learning environments that foster honesty and trust. Personal writing brings honor to our memories. At the same time, writers can strengthen identities with their new language and educate their new community about their families around the world.
Ena Isabel In Memory of Juanito L, baby Guatemala, Jutiapa, Passaco This is a story about my family. I don’t remember the exact date very well because I was very young at the time. This happened in Guatemala. I remember that my mother was pregnant with her last baby, and she was very happy because it was going to be her last pregnancy. At that time, people in Guatemala did not usually go to a hospital to have their babies. Most women gave birth at home with the help of a midwife, known in Guatemala as a “comadrona.” (person who helps deliver babies) However, that day became very sad when the time came for my mother to have her baby. She was not able to make it to a hospital, so she had to give birth at home. Sadly, the baby was born dead. In Guatemala, people say that “the time passed” or that “the baby stayed too long” when something like this happens. That day was very sad for my mother because she had been so excited and
had so much hope for her baby. My father was also very happy and excited, but unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to save the baby. I don’t remember the exact date or even the exact year when this happened. I only remember the sadness that my family experienced that day. Ricardo M. In Memory of Petra A, mother El Tigre, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela My mom was a truly exceptional person. Although she was strict, she was also very loving and fair. She always worked hard for my education and that of my siblings. She used to tell me that I had to be a good person and respectful. She worked very hard to provide for us, and she also took care of the house. I always say that she is my superhero.
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I remember when I was a little boy, about 6 or 7 years old. I was keeping her company, sitting on a powdered milk can, and she would talk to me a lot. She was honestly very sweet. She would take me to the park, to the beach, to any place just so I wouldn't want to play in the street, because she said it was very dangerous. Throughout my entire process of growing up into adulthood, she always supported me, always advising me and guiding me down the right path. Even though I know she is still watching over me, I miss her a lot. Guihua In Memory of Fang Wuyong, husband China My husband was a happy, funny, optimistic, kind, and loving person. He liked to make jokes and often made our family laugh. He was also a very loving father. We have two daughters, and he loved them very much. When we had good food at home, he always saved some for our daughters. He often took them to restaurants. He enjoyed spending time with them and cared about them very much. In December 2022, he was diagnosed with liver cancer. He had many treatments and later had a liver transplant. It was a very difficult and painful time for him and for our family. But he was still very optimistic. He wanted to live, and he believed that after the liver transplant, he could live another ten years. Sadly, the cancer later spread throughout his body. He spent a lot of time in the hospital during the last
months of his life. He passed away on June 21, 2023. I remember him as a funny, optimistic, and loving person. He loved me and our two daughters very much. Although he is no longer with us, we will always remember him and the love he gave our family. Ricardo R. In Memory of Virginia Luna M., grandmother San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico Virginia Luna M. was my grandmother. She was born on January 26, 1951 and died on February 1, 2012. She was born in Central Mexico in the city of Michoacán, but she lived mostly in northern Mexico in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora. She married and had children, my father being one of them. She dedicated her life to caring for her children and later for her grandchildren. As her grandson, I can say that she was a very loving and caring grandmother who left us with very beautiful memories. My grandmother was a very emotional woman; she used to cry easily, but it was easy for her to give affection to the people she loved. I have a clear memory of my grandmother: When I was in high school, I wanted to join a dance group. My parents didn't agree with me joining, possibly because it revealed my sexual orientation, which they weren't yet prepared to face. Thanks to my grandmother, my parents gave me permission to join the high school dance group, and it's a very fond memory. It
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helped me practice Mexican regional dance for over 10 years.
supported nine children: three daughters and six sons, a big family.
Just a few weeks ago, my mom and I were remembering my grandmother. We were saying how happy my grandmother would be with the life I have now, with the dreams I've fulfilled, and with the trips I've taken.
At Chinese New Year, he always gave his grandchildren red envelopes. There was two yuan inside the red envelope. When he was old, he moved to my old uncle’s house in a bigger city. He liked smoking all his life. That’s why he died of lung cancer. He died in 1988. He was 84 years old. The day he died I was in my school. I remember one thing very clearly that I picked up two yuan at the gate of my school. I think that was because my grandpa gave me the red envelope.
Xue L. In Memory of Chunling, grandpa North countryside of China My grandpa’s name was Chunling. He was born in 1904, in the north of the countryside in China. He was a farmer. He was hard working. He always got up early. The first thing was cleaning the yard, then tidying the house. He was kind. When I was young, he took care of me and he always played games with me. He always bought candy for me. He
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Watch for our next newsletter in December 2026. Read more about school activities and educational opportunities. Thanks for joining us. You belong here! Editor, Janice Tolman Co-editor, Barbara Andrews
Image courtesy of Berkeley artist Ceci Bowman
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