After beginning his English-learning journey at Project Learn, Sulaiman kept moving forward, building confidence, pursuing college, and working toward new goals.
“Project Learn has a special meaning to me because it is where I began my English-learning journey.”
— Sulaiman
For Sulaiman, learning has never been limited to one classroom.
Today, he is studying civil engineering at Stark State College, working as a chef at Tamr Mediterranean Grille, and building a future for himself and his family. Years before college and career goals became part of the picture, one of his first priorities was learning English.
“I came to Project Learn because I wanted to improve myself, strengthen my English, and gradually become the best version of myself,” Sulaiman said.
English did not come easily at first.
“Learning English was really difficult for me in the beginning,” he said. “However, I learned that with consistent practice, patience, and determination, things become easier over time.”
Sulaiman kept working at it. Little by little, the language that once felt difficult became something he could use with more confidence in everyday life.
“Over the years, I have continued working on myself and improving my English,” he said. “I have become much more confident when speaking and communicating with others.”
That is part of why Project Learn still holds a special place for him.
“Project Learn has a special meaning to me because it is where I began my English-learning journey,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to learn, grow, and become more confident.
One of Sulaiman’s memories from Project Learn took his learning beyond the classroom.
While he and his classmates were practicing for citizenship, they had the opportunity to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance at Akron City Council.
“I remember that day as a very meaningful experience,” Sulaiman said. “At the time, we were in class practicing for our citizenship, and it was special to have the opportunity to participate in such an important event.”
The experience became one of the meaningful moments Sulaiman remembers from his time at Project Learn.
Sulaiman’s learning journey has also taken him to Stark State College, where he is studying civil engineering. His goal is to graduate, build a successful career, and find work where he can continue growing professionally.
College is another step forward as Sulaiman continues working toward his goals.
Outside of school, Sulaiman works as a chef and cook at Tamr Mediterranean Grille.
He enjoys preparing food, but what matters most to him is the experience he creates for the people eating it.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing people enjoy the food I make,” he said. “It makes me happy to know that my cooking brings joy to others.”
For all that Sulaiman has accomplished and continues to work toward, the thing he is proudest of is not a class, job, or credential.
It is his family.
“Today, I am most grateful and proud to have my family and my son,” he said. “They are very important to me and motivate me to continue working hard and becoming a better person.”
When he thinks about someone else beginning the same kind of journey, whether learning English or continuing their education, his advice is simple: keep learning.
He encourages people to find a good learning environment, use their time to improve themselves, and take advantage of the opportunities around them.
“The most important thing is to stay motivated, practice consistently, and never be afraid to learn something new.”
For Sulaiman, learning began with English. It never stopped there.
