Tulasi is now a United States citizen thanks to hard work and help from her READ tutor, Lorelle Sybsema. Tulasi came to Grand Haven with her husband and daughter from Nepal six years ago. For four years she has been working with her tutor to improve her English reading, writing and speaking skills. They meet weekly and read books about United States’ geography and history to not only learn English but learn more about America. They review words that Tulasi has trouble reading or understanding. They have read books about Helen Keller, the Civil War and the Star Spangled Banner.
Tulasi’s brothers, sister and parents all live and work in the Grand Haven area. She enjoys going to the beach, parks and shopping with her family.
Tulasi and her husband Gopi applied for citizenship in 2015 and then had six months to study for the test. Gopi works in the community and Tulasi helped him study for the test at night. Lorelle went with them to Detroit and they both passed the citizenship test with flying colors. They were sworn in as U.S. citizens in July in Kalamazoo.
Tulasi’s literacy goals continue to evolve with each obstacle she overcomes. Next on the list: getting her driver’s license and starting a job when her son starts school. Lorelle is going to empower her every step of the way to reach her literacy goals.
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