YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Young Adult Literacy Program

Far Rockaway, Teen Annex
What I Miss About
San Francisco, California

My Goals

What I miss most is the city and the people. You can do a
lot things in a small area because San Francisco is small.
You can go to a lot of malls, department stores,
technology stores.
Sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39, Twin
Peaks, City Hall.
The thing I miss most is the weather. It is not too hot or
too cold - it is just right.
I came to New York City on June 8, 2014. What I like
about New York is that it has a lot of sightseeing. There is
a lot to look at and there are a lot of things to do in New
York. It is such a big city and its a good city to visit. I like
that it has places like Manhattan and Brooklyn. I like
places like Time Square and the Brooklyn Bridge.
I miss California because its just so big and it has a lot of
opportunities and it's nice life and living. I also miss the
California lifestyle. I think its the best lifestyle in the world.
I miss the nice different cities and I miss my home in San
Francisco. I cant wait to go back there! I miss it a lot!

My name is Amanda Ferrer. I am twenty one years old.

I have a nine month daughter and I would love to give
her a stable and wealthy home and family. My goal is to
be a successful detective and business woman. I am
currently enrolled in the Young Adult Literacy Program
at the Teen Annex, so that I can obtain my HSE and go
to college for criminal justice and pursue my career.
In the next four years I am looking forward to having
received my HSE and finishing college. I love to help
other people with their problems. Ive lost a friend and
never gotten over my grief because justice was never
served for his murder. I feel being a detective and
working with homicides is a great opportunity to help
people move on with their grief of losing their loved
ones. I have great communication, listening and
interrogative skills. I am very outgoing and comfortable
speaking to strangers.
In conclusion, I will do my best in every case I get
and make sure my victims find closure. All decisions
pertaining to a case should be based on actual facts and
not on opinion. My life will be more complete as a
mother and professional upon me reaching my goals.
~Amanda Ferrer

~Marwon Mohamed

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Success = working hard + working smart

For me, the reason I will succeed is my determination. I believe in working smart and hard. When I came to
this class I made up my mind that I would pay attention and do all the work I needed to do in order to
succeed. I came into this program with very poor math skills but I worked hard and paied attention. I
continue to do those things and now my math skills have really improved. I think in order to stay or become
successful you need to work smarter and harder than you did the day before. Luckily for us we have a great
teacher who understands the way we learn. Academically I have learned more in these last few months
then I did in the last two or three years in school.
~Yousef Mohamed

How Boot Camp helped me get a job

Being in the Young Adult Literacy Program at the
Teen Annex has helped me a lot. Ive gotten better in
math, I am more confident in my work and I dont
doubt myself as often as I used to. I have also learned
how to work well with others and feel comfortable
participating in class activities. I'm very thankful for the
staff because theyre always there for me when Im
going through a rough day or when I need advice on a
situation . The staff helped me build my resume and
helped make it sound professional. I also attended
Boot Camp . Boot Camp helped me gain professional
skills and furthered my knowledge of what's
appropriate in the workplace. As a result, I was able to
obtain a job in the airport as a cashier and use the
skills I learned in the Boot Camp program at work.

What brought me to this GED program was my

family and friends. I want to better my life. This
program is a second chance for me to get my
education and to start a career. Most people dont
get second chances and I am grateful for that. I was
attending job corps and was terminated from the
program. My point is you can do anything you want
to do if you work hard at what you do. This
program is just the first step, I will attended job
corps again and I will complete it.
Donovan Palmer

~Amanda Ferrer

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Boot Camp
By Diondre Cummings
Boot camp is a great way to further your work ethics
and knowledge of organizing your work skills. It is a
great way to spend your time productively. Being in
Boot Camp helped me gain professionalism skills and
further my knowledge of what's appropriate in the
workplace. Miss Corrine is a great teacher that makes
sure everything is under control. The Boot Camp
program has made an impact in my life. The Boot
Camp program helped me reach goals I thought Id
never reach. I got my first job interview in my life
thanks to the things I learned in Boot Camp. The
program taught me some useful tips to help me open
my eyes to things I wouldn't have seen before such as
proper communication, body language and
researching jobs before I go into an interview.

My name is Tyreik Hammond. Im 19 years old and Im

working on getting my HSE. I'm trying to head to college
after I receive my HSE diploma. I want to study auto
mechanic and business so I can open up and start my
own business. I completed the 11th grade of high school
until my personal life get into my school work. Im here
to change that around and so far I'm on a good path and
going to keep it like that. I made a big change on my,
math, reading, and writing. I had the help of my
teachers, they push me to come everyday and to always
try and never give up. When I finish, I plan on coming
back and letting everybody know that it is not hard and
we all can make if we DO.

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Hi, my name is Gyshawn and I just started at
the YALP Program at the Teen Library . So
far its good. I like it. I dont have that much
of experience yet but I like that when I come
here I feel like I'm learning something and
even when I leave I feel like I learned
something I am so proud of myself . I love
that you are always able to get help without a
problem. I feel like its easy to learn in this
program. The teacher, Miss G, has a very
flexible mind. I think its cool how she
knows many ways to solve Math & English
problems. She puts it in ways that I can
understand and comprehend. The other staff
in the program is nice and is there when you
need help too. I appreciate all of their hard
work and working with me.

I have goals after I finish this program but I have to

stay strong minded and faithful to the program.
When I finish this program I want to go out of state
and learn a trade. I think if i keep getting the support
I get in here I can get closer to my goal. Im glad I
found this program. I really want to get my stuff
together quick and take my HSE exam. I am doing
this for not only me but my family. I wake up
everyday looking forward to coming here and
learning new things.

ITTS is a computer website that teaches math, reading, and writing. Students can learn a lot from ITTS
because it has all type of topics of study for all three subjects. It is good for people who are about to get
ready to take their HSE test. You can get on ITTS anywhere. When you are on ITTS they give you a pretest before you start the lesson so it can know where you are in the subject. Then it gives you a lesson.
After the lesson is done you have to take a posttest to see if you mastered the subject. It has been very
helpful to me and my classmates. Terrell Warren

Being in this young adult program has helped me with a lot.

Before I started the program I didnt like to read or write
and I used to always shut down when it came to doing one
of the two. Now I find myself reading more and writing
more than ever. Being in this program helped me become
a better reader and a better writer. My math has always
been good but I feel like it got better too. Now Im just trying
to reach my goals and get my HSE so I can go to the next
step and find a job.

Terrel Warren

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

From HSE Student to
Library Employee
My experience at Queens Library has had a major impact on my road to success. A year and a
half ago I signed up to become an HSE student at the Queens Library, Teen Annex. As time went
by I participated in workshops, volunteered and even took a trip to Albany to fight for funding for the
Queens Library which was a great experience. Then I was recognized for all the hard work I put in
plus my good behavior and great personality. I got a job at the Queens Library For Teens as a Teen
Net Mentor. When I heard that I was getting the job here I couldn't believe it! Me, a student who was
still obtaining her H.S.E, couldn't be possible.It was happening! On September 18 when I went to
the interview I was so scared that i wasn't going to get the job. My teacher told me to stay confident.
I did just what she said and when they said i could get my ID and start tomorrow I know this was
true.
I am very pleased that i was given this opportunity to work with the youth and be a role model to
them. It feels good to give my appreciation back to the Library. My job is to make sure im setting
positive goals for the teenagers. I love the fact that I can share ideas with the kids and share my
experience with them and also keep them on the right path. If it wasnt for the Queens Library I
wouldnt be where I'm at today.

AnnMarie Warren, Teen Net Mentor,

Queens Library for Teens, Far Rockaway, NY
www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Hi my name is Jessica Drayton , I am 18 years old. How I started in this program - I was told by my
friend Shaquana to come join the program. I was told this is a good program for me and that it will
help me so I decided to join. How I got accepted - I took 2 tests in math and a reading test. The way
the program is, its already helping me. The test I took to get in this program was okay, it was tricky I
had to do a lot of work but I didnt give up.
They are also pushing me to do better and telling me what I need to do to get out the program. I like
the motivation of being pushed to do my work and to do better and fooling around isnt an option in
here. The learning is similar to when I was in school. I already knew a few tasks that they taught
here. Its like I knew what they were teaching but they were teaching it differently where I can really
understand it, its good.
The class at the Teen Library plans really good events, such as the Thanksgiving Dinner. It was great
- everything was planned well. Everyone brought what they said they were going to bring. We set the
table so everyone could have a place to sit there was enough food for everyone. The food was good
(Very Good) it was a good day!
On December 4th, 2014 we had yoga/zumba class. It was a little unexpected because we just
finished doing work and these two ladies walk in with boxes of yoga mats and bottles of water. They
told us to all stand up in a line in front of her and we started to do Zumba. It was so fun and funny
because we had to do these funny dances , but it was also a workout.
After we finished the Zumba we pulled out the mats and we started to do the yoga. I thought yoga
was so peaceful but it was also painful. She had us do positions and we had to stay that way for a
little while. My legs were in so much pain. It was really a good workout if you ask me. I really do enjoy
doing Yoga/Zumba. I wish we can do that at least once a week. It really cleared my mind and made
me stress free when she had us lay on the mats to calm the pain in our legs down. I was really about
to fall asleep. Then when she told us to get up I just felt so peaceful like everything that was going on
in my head was just blown away after we did yoga. I really look forward to doing yoga again not only
was it fun and peaceful it was also surprising because I never actually participated in class activities.
I will really do this again with no problem.

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Hi ! My name is Shaquanna P. and I used to go to August

Martin High School. I left that school because I was behind
in credits and started doing really bad in most of my
classes. I now go to the Pre-HSE class at the Teen Library
in Far Rockaway. It was kind of scary at first because I
didnt really know anyone there. I got used to it and I started
to meet new people and now I have friends and I am good
in the class. I am up to date on my game and I want it to
stay that way. I learn more here, I also get more help from
the teachers and classmates. I honestly think this is easier
for me then high school was.
During the time I have been here I have made a lot of good
choices, like looking for jobs, doing much better with my
work, studying and paying attention more. The work is
much easier than high school work, sometimes it can be
hard but I understand what I'm doing much better with
myself and my work .

My name is Shaquanna Picton I am 18 years old.

I have a few goals and dreams that I will like to accomplish before 2015 is over.
One of my biggest goals is to finish class, get my HSE and go to college.
When I get older I want to be a nurse or a baker.
I would like to go to college to get my Masters In Nursing, Culinary and Cosmetology.
I have always wanted to become a Nurse because it seems like a nice field to work in.
I would also like to get my Masters in Culinary so that when I finish I can open a bakery on my own.
I believe that I can accomplish these goals by 2020 or earlier.
I think If I work hard and study more I can accomplish my goals sooner then I think.
After I finish these goals and dreams I plan on moving
out of New York with my family to North Carolina.

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

My Journey At The Teen Library ~

Becoming A School Crossing Guard.
When I first began coming to the Teen Library I came everyday, I felt it was very beneficial to
me. We would do our usual work everyday, and when it came to Fridays we would have a day
called Boot Camp. Boot Camp is a job readiness program which helps you prepare for job
interviews and helps you gain skills to become more confident in your resume preparation. They
also do a lot of job searching. By doing that, I came across a flyer they were handing out in the
Teen Library stating that the police department was hiring school crossing guards. It had no
education requirements, which was good because most jobs ask for a High School diploma or
GED and I was still attending class to obtain my diploma. There was also no age requirement,
so I gave it a shot and applied. About one month later I got a call back for an interview at the
police headquarters in Manhattan. After 5 long months of interviews and background checks
and a week in the police academy, I finally became a school crossing guard. It was a long
journey but I was proud of myself. If it had not been for the staff members in the Teen Library
and my teacher, Ms.G, motivating me to not give up and stick to it, I would not have had the
chance to become a school crossing guard. Now that I am an NYPD employee, I get health
benefits and a long list of other things I am now entitled to, that will not only benefit me but my
future as well. Since I now work for the city Im also able to save money to my pension for
retirement early and they will also pay for me to go to college. Im thankful for everyone who
helped me through my journey to becoming a school crossing guard, now my future is brighter
and a whole lot more promising.
~Priscilla Adside
NYPD School Crossing Guard

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573

YOUNG ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM

Giving Thanks!
On November 25th, we had a Thanksgiving party for the class. It was fun, I believe everybody enjoyed
themselves. Everybody brought in their own kind of dishes. There was Baked Macaroni, fried chicken, turkey, bbq
chicken and different types of sweets. The table setting was very nicely set up everybody was dressed up and looking
nice.
The food tasted good, after everybody was done eating there was still a lot of food left over. The Teachers didn't
want to leave any food behind so they told us to take some food home. I think it was a good idea to have the
thanksgiving party because it brought the class together. It would be real nice if we did that more often or just for
certain holidays just to bring the class together more.

Mission Statement: The Queens Library Adult Learner Program is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities to
address the needs of the diverse and changing populations of Queens through free quality educational programs and services that
incorporate digital literacy, blended learning, and individualized case management services. These include Adult Basic Education,
ESOL, Youth Literacy, and preparation for individuals seeking their High School Equivalency diploma.

www.queensllibrary.org/adultlearning

2002 Cornaga Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11793 mdavies@queenslibrary.org 718-471-2573