Monica Velasco 

My career goal is to follow the engineering program, and the academic reading and writing classes at SRJC have helped me prepare for more advance classes that will be required to graduate. EMLS classes have helped me in my work life too to understand my work responsibilities, give clear explanation when there is a problem and also train new employees. EMLS classes have also helped me communicate better with friends that don't speak my language, and also it has helped me to understand important conversations in my personal life, like doctor's appointments, car dealership appointments and in stores. I have had many positives experiences with all my SRJC instructors. They have been very patient every time that I need help with something that is difficult to me to understand. They are always ready and happy to support me.

Hermon Asfaha

When I first started EMLS classes at SRJC, I studied with other English learners, and that gave me the confidence to talk out loud and to talk to my teachers. EMSL classes have also helped me with my work life. When I started working, I was not shy to use English because EMLS classes helped me with my speaking and writing skills. I have had a lot of positive experiences with the SRJC instructors because they are nice and really good at teaching. I didn’t really have a career or a goal because I was too scared to speak in English with other people. But after I started EMLS classes, I had more confidence to take other classes, and now I have started my career and am doing well, thanks to the EMLS program at SRJC!

Jiliena Gonzalez

EMLS classes at SRJC have helped me in so many ways. I can say the most important improvement is in my personal life. I can see how my skills are improving, making it easy to communicate with others, and I’m beginning to feel confident speaking in English. The fear of making medical phone calls for my children or myself is not as bad as the beginning. I have had a lot of positive experiences with the SRJC instructors during the courses. They are always helpful and supportive to me. They have been a great source of help and have been great guides for me to continue achieving my goals. I appreciate them for their encouragement and dedication. EMLS classes are also giving me the opportunity to be able to communicate with my peers and supervisors by texting, speaking, and writing. While I’m working on improving my skills, I’m also getting prepared for a new career path. My academic goal is becoming an licensed vocational nurses, and EMLS classes give me the foundation I need for my future career.

Jamy Jean Baptiste

EMLS 772, Fall 2025 

Back in the summer of 2025, I had a job interview. I passed the first round, which was a phone interview, and the second round, which was an in-person interview, but I failed the last round. The last one was about writing and critical thinking. I was mad and very frustrated, so I decided to go back to school, practice more English, and strengthen my grammar and critical thinking. 

At the end of August 2025, I enrolled in the EMLS class at Santa Rosa Junior College. I work hard, very hard. I attend all my classes, I did not miss any homework, and I even go over my assignments by doing my own writing and asking my teacher to help me with them. I can tell you, honestly, that since then I have more confidence in myself, and everyone can attest to my achievements and can see how my English has improved. Even my leadership skills were recognized, and progressed in this class. My grammar and writing have gotten better, and if it were today, I would have that position. 

EMLS is the best option for foreign students who do not speak English as their primary language and want to succeed in an English environment in the United States. And if you already speak English and want to improve your critical thinking or enhance your grammar, we have a class for you too at Santa Rosa Junior College. I recommend everyone to start by taking this class before attending any other class. I'm grateful to the EMLS Department and my instructor Dr. Aylin Atilgan Relyea!