American dreamer: Boost from Avance leads immigrant to inspire kids

This teacher tells her class, "I can't" is not accepted in her classroom. She was helped by the nonprofit organization, Avance, when she moved here 13 years ago. She is doing her part to pass it on. DP

By Ramón Rentería / El Paso Times

EL PASO -- Lourdes Rivera tells preschool children to hang all their self-doubts on a tree outside her classroom.

"Here, everything is possible," Rivera said. "Children know that the phrase, 'I can't,' is unacceptable, not allowed in this classroom."
Rivera, 44, is well-qualified to teach and preach that the American dream is attainable with education.

Just 13 years ago, Rivera was a Mexican immigrant newly settled in El Paso, without English skills, but with a huge desire to learn.

In 1997, she enrolled with her 2-year-old son in parenting education classes offered through Avance, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant children and families break the cycle of poverty with early childhood development, parenting skills, adult literacy and healthy marriages.
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