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A new year of student-led democracy has begun at San Mateo Adult School! After a week of campaigning on campus and speeches at the Candidate Forum, SMAS ESL and GED students voted for new officers for the 2018-19 school year.   The new leadership teams are: Shereen, Shelley, Claudia Alt Text:  Three women standing in bright sunlight in the school quad Morning Student Council President:  Shelley Cheng Vice President:  Shereen Lata Secretary:  Claudia Asselborn Advisor Ai Ikeuchi Evening Student Council President Carlos Diaz Vice President Olivia Velazquez Secretary Victor Linares Advisor Simone Coelho Victor, Olivia, Simone,  Stephanie, Tim, Carlos Alt Text:  Six people standing in the school quad in the evening Read speeches from the Candidate Forums: Morning  President Shelly's speech Morning  Vice President Shereen's speech Morning  Secretary Claudia's speech Evening President Carlos Diaz Evening Vice President Olivia Velasquez Ev...

Morning Student Council Secretary Claudia Asselborn shared her story and her vision of teamwork and progress at the 2018-19 Morning Candidate Forum.  Here, with her permission, is her wonderful speech. Claudia speaking at the Morning Candidate Forum Director Tim listening in the background Good Morning Director Tim, teachers and students! Thanks for coming! I would like to introduce myself because although many people know me, others still don’t. My name is Claudia Asselborn and I am running for Secretary of the Student Council. I am from Argentina. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. I worked as a substitute teacher and student counselor.  I also worked as an administrative assistant for eleven years in my country. I came to California with my husband for his work. First, we lived in San Francisco for a few months, and then, we moved to San Mateo two years ago.  I've been studying English in San Mateo Adult School since then. I am Student Ambassador and jo...

At the Morning Student Council Forum for the 2018-19 school year, candidates shared their views, experience and dreams for our school. Here, with her permission, is the memorable speech given by Shereen Lata, now our 2018-19 Morning Student Council Vice President. Shereen giving her speech at the Morning Candidates Forum Director Tim listening in the background Good morning students and staff members. My name is Shereen Lata. I'm a low advance student with teacher Jean and I am from the Fiji Islands. It’s a very beautiful tropical Island by the Pacific Ocean. Growing up in the Fiji Islands was very challenging. Pursuing an education was something that was not encouraged, which is why I was unable to complete my High School Diploma. I was instead encouraged to find a job. I worked in the retail industry for nine years. I worked twelve hours a day but only got paid for working eight hours. As time went on I realized that if I wanted to achieve my goal of getting an education I woul...

On Sept 26th, 2018, Shelley Cheng - our new Morning 2018-19 Student Council President - gave this stand-out speech at the Candidates Forum. With her permission, here it is for you to read: Shelly Cheng giving her speech at the 2018 Candidate Forum Director Tim Doyle is listening in the background Good morning, everyone. I am Shelley Cheng, and I come from China. Now I’m a low advance student of San Mateo Adult School. My morning class teacher is Jessica,and my afternoon class teachers are Patricia, Lisa and Lily. It’s my pleasure to have the chance to run for president of the student council. I have a husband ,a daughter and a dog, so I am used to handling the problems well. First, I would like to share my international experiences with you. My friends usually say that I am a nice and understanding person. One of the reasons is that I have been to many different countries. I lived in the Czech Republic for two years, in Germany for four years and I have been to more than 15 coun...

At the Student Council Election Forum for the 2018-19 school year, Wendy Samayoa passed the torch to new student leaders and said her farewells in a moving and powerful speech which we share here, with her permission. Wendy Samayoa giving her farewell speech at the Fall 2018 Student Council Candidate Forum Alt Text:   Wendy dressed in black at microphone with Director Tim listening behind her. Farewells seem to always have a bittersweet flavor with feelings that are intertwined, although their nature is different. I feel sadness, satisfaction and also, a certain relief to be able totransfer the responsibilities of the position because it’s time for new leaders. But, above all, the feeling that gains the most strength is, without a doubt, gratitude.Today culminates an important period in my life, a period in which it was a privilege and an honor to preside over this Student Council. It was a year of commitment and, in turn, a year of projects, opportunities and challenges, of h...

Rita with one of the Keys to Success that she designed for Adult Ed Week 2018 Many SMAS students become active volunteers - both at school and in the community.  Rita Maria Noguera Ricardi is one of these students.  Here is an interview with her about her experience as a volunteer:  Where you are from and what are the languages you speak? I was born in São Paulo, Brazil. I speak Portuguese. My father is Spanish, and I am also Spanish. I lived 20 years in Madrid, Spain, and I speak Spanish. How long have you been a student at SMAS?  What classes are you taking now and have taken in the past? I started studying at SMAS in February 2017. I have studied two courses with the teacher Elizabeth, one with teacher Vasyl, and two with Deep. I have also done conversation classes with David, Lili, and Glenn. Now I'm in Low Advanced, with Jessica. I am also taking the Career Exploration course and the ESL City Government Academy program. I think it is important to talk when com...