Setbacks are a part of life. They help build resilience through our struggles in life, perseverance for future obstacles, and most importantly they help us grow and adapt to our surroundings. Selena Feal is a great example of how we can all overcome the difficulties life throws at us. Feal emigrated from Spain to the United States when she was eight years old having to adjust to the environment that was presented to her. Entered into the English for Speakers of Other Languages program, she was taught with students learning the English language for the first time. Having to adapt to her new home and learn a new language, she faced a crucial setback at an early age.
However, after her resilience was built through the ESOL program, she turned this experience into an opportunity creating a non-profit organization that focuses on helping ESOL students from different schools. Steps Adelante was founded based on Feal’s vision to assist ESOL students through their academic journey.
A major reason for the creation this organization was because when she came from Spain at a young age, she didn’t feel like she had as much support going into the ESOL system. Teachers were not the helping hand but they’re more to let the students figure out their own situation. The biggest issue was that there weren’t really any resources for Selena or her parents to utilize for improvement in school and academics.
One of her greatest benefactors was her fourth-grade teacher who became a turning point in Selena’s academic life. She guided young Feal into applying for Magnet Programs and better academic opportunities.
“When I was in fourth grade my teachers name was Mrs. Penny. I was very lost in the school system at the time, especially with the decision of where to go for middle school. The initial intention was to stay in a middle school near home, but Mrs. Penny was very helpful in informing me and my family about magnet programs and International Baccalaureate programs. She was definitely a guiding factor towards my future decisions,” senior Selena Feal said. After making her way out of the ESOL program she reflected on the difficulties of clawing her way out of the system and realized how lucky she had been with assistance from others. This gratefulness laid the foundation to her eventually pursuing a passion for providing the support for ESOL students that she never received.
The idea of helping ESOL students became a reality with the assistance of Feal’s IB Coordinator in Ponce de Leon Middle School, Mrs. Ramos. She provided her support to Feal in starting up the non-profit organization of Steps Adelante.
“When I started the program, it was through FBLA to submit for a national review. I met with Mr. Pico, the Gables FBLA organizer, who helped me finalize ideas about the program and its purpose. I also met with Mrs. Ramos to understand what the students needed and what we could do to better their situation,” senior Selena Feal said. Mr. Pico was also key figure in creating this organization through the Future Business Leaders of America. The project is labeled under the business achievement awards which is a program in FBLA where students create something that solves a real-world problem. Through the program, Feal took action by creating tools to help ESOL students. For instance, they started creating helpful videos, organizing workshops for the parents, and promoting one-on-one meetings with parents to listen to feedback about their program. The assets are all based on providing students with the support they need in the ESOL system. “There’s different topics to the videos and courses we provide but there is a little bit of everything. For example, there’s videos about high schools in general, programs in high school, what to do in certain situations, grades, classes, and any other subject the students need to understand. I’ve met with the ESOL coordinators in Gables High School to discuss issues students have and discuss them with the students in the organizations program,” senior Selena Feal said.
The organization continues to work on giving students modules and workshops making sure students understand certain concepts such as grades, requirements, etc. They focus on the well roundness, and every aspect of the students’ lives to make sure they are ready to pursue many career opportunities throughout their life. “For right now I am working with Ponce de Leon Middle School and have previously assisted the ESOL program in Coral Gables Senior High. My future goal for this organization is unsure but I want to continue to provide my support to students in need of assistance,” senior Selena Feal said.
Steps Adelante has created a symbol of perseverance through the setbacks that Feal faced in her educational journey. Proving that any obstacle can be overcome, Selena Feal is an extraordinary example of what it means to grow and adapt to the difficulties life throws at us.
