In 2015, Olga Urrego left her hometown of Medellin City, Colombia to join her husband in the U.S.
“I was an economist in my country and able to reach my professional and career goals by working hard. Yet, I felt the need to make a change. That’s when I made the decision to take a leap of faith and come to the U.S. – a leap of faith that meant leaving behind my family, work and friends to begin a new chapter of my life.”
When Urrego first arrived, she knew that in order to continue her career goal as an economist, she would need to improve her English language skills. A year later, she enrolled in an English program at LaGuardia Community College.
“Learning a new language was very difficult, but I was determined.”
During the fall of 2019, Urrego enrolled in Borough of Manhattan Community College’s Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE). She was then referred to the Manhattan EOC ATTAIN Lab in 2020 where she received certifications in Word, Excel & PowerPoint within the Microsoft® Office Specialist program. Three months later, she received her QuickBooks® certification.
“During the pandemic, I had quite a few challenges that could have prevented me from achieving my goals, including traveling to Colombia and getting detained while tending to my mother’s health concerns. But I never let those obstacles stop me.”
That same tenacity is echoed in the voice of ATTAIN Lab Technology Coordinator, Ashish Satyabhashak, when describing his student.
“Olga never let her challenges with the English language deter her from achieving goals. She was able to receive her certifications with determination – she never quit.”
Urrego says the support she received was undeniable.
“Mr. Ashish was incredibly encouraging and truly wanted me to succeed, so I did.”
When asked about advice for students, Urrego says:
“I recommend that students make the most of the opportunities offered in this country, especially in New York City. There are so many free resources and programs to improve our skills and competencies to access a good job. And above all, do not be afraid to ask for help.”
Urrego looks forward towards her next goal – to complete her Outlook certification.
“Getting it will help me with managing my clients and contacts at New York Life Insurance Company where I now work as an Insurance Specialist for the Latino Market.”