Student shines in the Desert

Providence in the Desert student-turned-teacher Martha Langarica with her academic awards.

Congratulations to Providence in the Desert student-turned-teacher Martha Langarica on being named Student of the Year and earning a certificate as a top achiever in her English language classes at the Adult School in Coachella, Calif.

Seven years ago when Martha first met Sister Carol Nolan and her small band of sisters who serve the needs of immigrant field workers in southern California, she had been in the United States for 20 years working in the fields, in date packaging and in housekeeping. Yet despite two decades in the US, Martha did not speak English.

As Martha began classes with Providence in the Desert, Sister Carol recognized Martha’s untapped talent for learning. Sister Carol worked her magic and found a local company, Burrtec Waste Management, willing to subsidize Martha’s living expenses so she could attend English-language school full time.

Since meeting the Sisters of Providence, Martha has flourished. In recent years she earned her US citizenship, began teaching a beginning English class for Providence in Desert and has become a Sisters of Providence candidate-associate.

“Martha is one of our best teachers. Her organization is phenomenal,” said Sister Carol.

Read more about Martha, our ministry at Providence in the Desert and all our Guerin Outreach Ministries.