AEOA Adult Education: One person's success story

Pranee left her home country, Thailand, to come to the United States so her son could receive the best education possible. Additionally, she hoped to improve her English speaking, reading, and writing skills.

She joined Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency's (AEOA) Adult Education Classroom in Cloquet to attain these English language goals.

AEOA offers a variety of adult education services to individuals who are at least 17 years old and not currently enrolled in secondary school. Adults can set their own goals and work at their own pace. Experienced instructors will help you explore and achieve your education goals.

Pranee set several targets in the classroom, with citizenship at the top of the list. She also recognized the importance of developing rapport with her son's teachers to support his education, and she sought her driver's permit to obtain her driver's license while working toward citizenship. Pranee put in tremendous effort and eventually passed both tests. Pranee's work ethic was exceptional; she knew it would take countless hours of dedicated study to achieve her objectives. Concurrently, she started working at Big Lake Golf and Resort on July 12, 2021.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Pranee attended in-person classes. When in-person classes were no longer feasible, she switched to online classes, available four days a week. She enthusiastically participated in these classes. After the pandemic subsided, she resumed attending in-person classes every Monday, and continued to take advantage of the online class times available Tuesday through Thursday.

Pranee and her husband, Mike, braved harsh winter weather on Nov. 29, 2022, to go to St. Paul for the citizenship ceremony. Pranee is now a proud United States citizen.

One accomplished goal always leads to another. Pranee's employer encouraged her to study and obtain her food safety certificate. She spent many hours studying for the test, with the support of her Adult Education Instructor, and successfully passed. Pranee's next objective is to purchase a food truck and run a Thai food business.

AEOA's Adult Basic Education program can help you improve your math, computer, writing and reading skills; earn your GED or ServSafe Manager or Food Handler certification; learn English as a second language (ESL); prepare for college or a citizenship test; learn financial literacy and budgeting; or create a resume and improve your interview skills. All at your own pace.

The AEOA Adult Education classroom is located in the U.S. Bank building at 715 Cloquet Ave., Suite 2. The classroom may be reached by calling 218-879-5588 or 218-410-9088. Classroom hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday.