Lilian came to the United States with her husband and two children to get away from violence that disrupted her family in Brazil. Her first year in the U.S. was very hard. She knew no English and could not work, so her family had serious financial and emotional difficulties. To make matters worse, everyone in her family became ill during the pandemic. However, with determination and hard work, she faced these challenges and overcame them. The First Literacy scholarship was a life saver, allowing her to buy the books and equipment needed for the nursing courses she was taking. Currently Lilian is working towards an associates degree in nursing and plans to complete a bachelor’s degree at Mount Wachusett Community College. Her goal is to become a nurse and she looks forward to being able to help relieve pain and suffering in others.