Maria Jacqueline de los Santos was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, the third of four children: three girls and one boy. She is a proud mother of two: a 29-year-old son and a 22-year-old daughter. For many years, Maria raised her children as a single mother, but in June 2024, she entered a joyful new chapter of her life when she got married.

Maria’s journey to the United States was long and filled with some challenges. Inspired by her sister’s experience and encouraged by a close friend, she decided to begin the immigration process herself. It took 15 years from her initial application before she was finally able to make the move. She arrived during the pandemic, filled with gratitude for the safety and opportunities the U.S. offered to her and her children.

In 2023, Maria discovered Josephine’s Place, where she enrolled to improve her English. Just weeks after registering, she was placed in a class that fit perfectly with her work schedule. For Maria, learning English was about more than language. It was about building confidence, understanding her new surroundings, and feeling connected rather than left behind.

At Josephine’s Place, she soon learned about the citizenship preparation program. With dedication and consistency, Maria attended classes for a year and successfully passed her citizenship interview on her first attempt. She is deeply grateful to Iris and Shteffany for their guidance and support throughout her journey.

Today, Maria works at a rehabilitation center for the elderly and hopes to earn her Home Health Aide (HHA) license. The skills and confidence she has gained have helped her communicate more effectively with her patients and form deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Through her experiences at Josephine’s Place, Maria has learned valuable lessons about empathy, solidarity, and the beauty of cultural exchange. She enjoys learning about others’ traditions, foods, and stories, and she finds joy in supporting others on their own paths.

Looking back, Maria describes her time at Josephine’s Place with two words: perseverance and consistency. She credits the community for helping her believe in herself, pursue her dreams, and remember that with determination and support, anything is possible.