Chasing a dream: Local student overcomes language barriers to achieve a college degree

MALDEN – Qiaomin moved to the United States from China with her family in 2019. When she arrived, the transition was challenging for everyone in her family. Qiaomin – now a Malden resident – was the only family member who was able to speak any English so she took on many of the family responsibilities including caring for her sick grandfather and struggling to act as translator during his medical appointments. Determined to support her parents, who were stuck in low-paying jobs due to their limited English skills, Qiaomin continued to study English at the Asian American Civic Association so she could take on all the family affairs that involved speaking English.

In 2021 Qiaomin was nominated for a First Literacy Scholarship. The scholarship provided her with the funds necessary to pursue her goal of becoming a radiologic technologist.

“I was not satisfied with where I was when I first came to the United States,” said Qiaomin. “I wanted to dive into a career that I loved, and I could spend my whole life doing. The scholarship made it possible to pursue a career. I bought a laptop that I needed for my studying, and I was able to buy the pricy textbooks for every semester.”

Each year, First Literacy, a Boston based nonprofit, awards $1,500 scholarships to recent graduates of Massachusetts Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English language programs who are continuing to vocational training or higher education. Since First Literacy’s Scholarship Program began in 1990, over 600 scholarships have been awarded to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service and perseverance in the face of hardship.

Despite some challenging times, Qiaomin stayed the course and diligently worked towards her degree in medical radiography. On May 23, Qiaomin received her diploma from Bunker Hill Community College – proof that her determination, positive attitude and hard work paid off.

“Times were tough when I arrived in the U.S. with my family,” said Qiaomin. “ I knew that the most important thing was to complete my education and reach my goal – after all the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Qiaomin plans to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam in June and will begin working at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in August.

  About First Literacy: In 1988 a consortium of public and private sector leaders, including Mayor Raymond Flynn and Boston Globe publisher William O. Taylor, established the Boston Adult Literacy Fund (BALF) to expand and improve Adult Basic Education in Boston. Twenty years later, BALF became First Literacy. To learn more visit www.FirstLiteracy.org.