By Juliee Crocker | Programs in English as a Second Language
Growing up in El Salvador, Saira Rebeka Ventura always knew that she wanted to be a helper. After obtaining her medical degree at home, Ventura realized the next step to earn a specialization would be to improve her English skills – which led her to Nebraska’s Intensive English Program.
Ventura says her career goals were inspired by her family, including her respected grandfather who helped many people in her hometown. She counts her parents as the most important people in her life.
“They inspire me to be a better version of myself,” said Ventura. “Overall, my family is super important in my life. I want them to be proud of me.”
Throughout her school years, she kept her family in mind as she pursued a medical degree in El Salvador. After years of hard work, perseverance and determination, Ventura says her graduation day is the happiest memory in her life.
Although her medical degree enabled her to immediately begin working in El Salvador, Ventura realized she wanted to continue studying and obtain a specialization. Drawing from her determination again, as well as inspiration from her family, Ventura decided to continue her studies in the U.S. in order to make a larger impact on others.
To start her education in the U.S., Ventura knew she needed strengthen her English skills to a higher level for acceptance to a higher learning institution. Most schools require all aspects of English to be near-fluent, including grammar, listening, writing and speaking. Her search for an English language school led her to discover the Intensive English Program (IEP) at Nebraska, hosted in Programs in English as a Second Language (PIESL). After Ventura’s research revealed several strengths about the program, she made the decision to apply and begin her English studies in the Spring 2019 semester.
After arriving at Nebraska and taking the English Language Test to determine her placement, Ventura began her studies at the Intermediate level. From January to May, Ventura became an exemplary student and attended all of her classes, quickly improving her language skills. When she took the language test again at the end of the semester, Ventura scored well enough to skip High Intermediate and proceed directly to Advanced. However, she decided she did not want to miss any important material by skipping a level and wanted to maximize her language skills before applying to a U.S. institution for medical specialization. So, Ventura enrolled in High Intermediate courses during the intensive, ten-week summer session.
Once again, Ventura's determination and work ethic carried her through the summer and into the fall semester as she completed the Advanced level with great success in December 2019. Every semester, the IEP team recognizes students who are high achievers academically and those who are outstanding among their classmates. Ventura received these honors for all three terms she attended.
“In its 60-year existence, the Intensive English Program has seen thousands of students progress through and attend undergraduate and graduate programs,” said Chris Dunsmore, director of PIESL. “It is an honor to be the foundation of these student’s educational pursuits. Hearing success stories like Ventura's inspires the program as it continues its mission of helping non-native English speakers their language and academic goals.”
Ventura is currently working in the medical field as she prepares to pursue her specialization. She fondly remembers her time in the IEP, and all of her favorite memories of meeting new friends and learning about their cultures in addition to her English studies.
To learn more about the Intensive English Program and other options offered by Programs in English as a Second Language, visit their website at piesl.unl.edu.