‘Educated, equipped and empowered’

Miguel Escobedo first arrived at Holy Angels Education Center to do remodeling work.

Then he went to work remodeling his journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.

“I live really close by and I was very involved in the beginning when they started remodeling for the classes they were starting to teach,” said Escobedo, an immigrant.

“So, I started with English classes, and they later offered citizenship classes, so it was really great for me to be involved in both.”

How great?

“I passed the (citizenship) test on June 27 and now I am awaiting my naturalization ceremony,” Escobedo said.

With more and more immigrants seeking to integrate into society, Holy Angels Education Center is dedicated to helping immigrants become “educated, equipped and empowered.”

Escobedo stands as but one example of the fruits of the center’s various programs designed to offer immigrants an educational hub.

“I would like to encourage the community to take advantage of the classes,” Escobedo said. “English is in high (demand). People have the ability to become citizens and get help with that as well.

“So the only other thing I’d like to say is that we want to motivate the community to take advantage of the opportunities here at Holy Angels.”

More and more immigrants are seeking out Holy Angels as the word gets out via social media and word of mouth.

“I feel very happy and very grateful for all of the people helped me to speak English,” said Escobedo.

Martin Rodriguez, who currently works as a vehicle upholsterer, said he learned about Holy Angels through social media.

“When I arrived people treated me very well,” he said. “When you are starting in the process you learn there is a lot to learn through the process.

“I’m in basic English, but I am able to tell people that I have a wife and family.”

Rodriguez and Escobedo both exuded a cheerful disposition and confidence as they shared their stories and urged others in the immigrant community to take advantage of the services offered at Holy Angels.

“Do not be ashamed to ask for information,” said Rodriguez, who mentioned he had been in the United States for the past six years and had only used his cell phone to translate. And now he has basic understanding of the English language, thanks to Holy Angels.

And Rodriguez made it clear he understood the importance of embracing the language and culture of his new homeland.

“It’s not our country, so we have to learn the language and the values of this country,” Rodriguez said.

For more information on the Holy Angels Education Center, visit holyangelseducation.org or call (405) 709-2711.

Andrew W. Griffin is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

Photo: (Above) Miguel Escobedo spoke to guests at the grand opening of the Holy Angels Education Center on Aug. 20 in Oklahoma City. Photos Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.
Martin Rodriguez