ATLANTIC CITY – Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academic English Language Program (AELP) teaches students — many from different countries from across the globe with diverse birthdates, backgrounds, knowledge and skills — to become proficient readers, writers and fluent speakers of the English language.
Their hard work and determination were rewarded on May 6 at the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City campus when 28 AELP students received their Award of Completion certificate for completing the program. Each of the students were required to pass seven classes - Intermediate AELP I & II, Advanced AELP I & II, Advanced Grammar, Strategies for the American Classroom and Advanced Reading/Writing - to graduate.
Though they may have different career goals in mind, each AELP student entered the program hoping to achieve a similar outcome, to master the basics of the English language.
Sophia Valeus, a native of Haiti who has been in the United States and living in Galloway for two years now, found the program enjoyable especially with several friends in her classes. She is currently enrolled at Atlantic Cape as a full–time nursing student and will begin that program next month.
“This was my last ESL class and I’m so glad that I did it. It was a long way, but it was worth it. Once I get my nursing degree, I want to keep helping people while still improving my English skills and my accent.”
Min (Mindy) Lu, a native of China who has been in the United States and living in Somers Point for nearly 10 years, decided to enroll at Atlantic Cape because she admitted her English–speaking skills were very poor and she wanted to improve them. She is currently a full-time student majoring in Art.
“I like painting miniatures. That's why I decided to learn about art and colors so I could create some new ideas.”
Learning the English language can be a daunting and lifelong task for many, but for students new to the country it can seem a laborious uphill climb. Atlantic Cape’s AELP, formerly known as English as a Second Language (ESL), slowly introduces the basics of the language from listening, speaking and reading to grammar and writing skills.
For Kavya Parekh, a native of India who has been in the United States and living in Atlantic City for three years, he credits his instructors for helping her learn the English language. He is a full–time student majoring in computer information systems with dreams of becoming a financial analyst.
“I think that our instructors are able to give their time to students who want to improve. They give them direction, attention and time. That really helped me as a student and that's what has helped me improve my academics.”
And for Phuong Vu, a native of Vietnam who has been in the United States and living in Pleasantville since 2023, she has dreams of possibly enrolling at Rutgers or Rowan University after she graduates from Atlantic Cape.
“Right now, I am in health science. If I pass the exam, I may change my major to nursing. I would like to apply for nursing and work in a hospital or continue studying for my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).”
World Languages Department Professor Judith Otterburn–Martinez and Senior Adjunct Professor Jody Davis each presented their respective students with their certificates of completion before a room filled with fellow students and guests.
The following students received their AELP completion certificates: Nazar Bachynski, Daniil A. Dvornichen, Alexa P. Hernandez, Mariela Y. Melgar, Minh Anh A. Nguyen, Asnaf R. Niloy, Ahnaf R. Nishat, Kavya P. Parekh, Marycielo A. Paulino, Judsley Pepe, Erna Torres, Sophia M. Valeus, Daniel E. Varela, Emily A. Varela, Jose A. Varela, Nicolas Elera, Jesus Garcia, Thi Ngoc Thao Ha, Malik Haroon, Norma Lopez, Murielle Louis, Min Lu, Andre Luciano Rosario, Jal Patel, Luis Quinones, Briggith Salcedo Marquez, Minh Hoang Vo and Phuong Vu.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/aelp for more information on Atlantic Cape’s English as a Second Language Program.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
