Alumni Spotlight: Massimo’s Journey

“What a journey! It all started with Literacy Partners.”

Massimo  holds a BFA in music and a minor in secondary music education. This may come as a surprise to people who knew him just a few years ago. Back then, he was working three jobs as a musician, waiter, and dog walker “because my English was not good and even applying for jobs was a hard task,” he recalls. 

When Massimo started taking Literacy Partners’ GED classes, he was surprised to see that there were other immigrants like him, striving to get an education and improve their lives. He clearly recalls the support and confidence his Literacy Partners’ teacher continuously communicated to him: “You are going to get your GED in no time!” Massimo made this his daily mantra up until the day, five months later, when he walked across a stage to receive his GED diploma.

Massimo carried the welcome folder he received on his first day at Literacy Partners throughout college “as a reminder of where I started. I could never have imagined this change in my life. Literacy Partners touched me beyond my academic preparation.” Today, Massimo is one test away from receiving his New York State Teacher Certification. He plans to give back to the community he came from by teaching others like him.

Your generosity makes success stories like Massimo’s possible. He is a testament to Literacy Partners’ impact beyond our classrooms. A gift to Literacy Partners helps our students reach their goals and, like Massimo, use his newfound skills to “pay it forward” to other immigrants like him.