Wilmar Aguilar

English as a Second Language

Wilmar Aguilar has only been in Delaware a short time, and he's attended Delaware Tech an even shorter time, but he's already made a big impact on his English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors and fellow students.

"Classes are very good," Aguilar said. "The teachers are compassionate and all very good people.

"I feel that they are all very supportive of the students and help us continue with the program."

Aguilar moved to Delaware from Guatemala in 2022 and immediately enrolled at Delaware Tech. His wife, Marlin, had already graduated from the nursing program and was preparing to enroll in the College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

"Learning English was important for my personal growth and if I wanted to follow up on my nursing studies," said Aguilar, who had quite the professional career in Guatemala.

He worked in community health, primarily with women's health in obstetrics and sonography, and also taught college courses in biology and chemistry.

Since enrolling at Delaware Tech, Aguilar has taken a job with a fence company. He works during the day and takes his classes at night, a schedule that he said has been challenging at times.

"I'm tired and it can be exhausting," Aguilar said. "But in the end, it will be worth it so when I have children they won't have to go through what I've gone through."

Aguilar said he has loved being in ESL courses with students from a variety of countries. He said that even though they are all fluent in different languages, there is no barrier for them to communicate and become friends.

Once he completes the ESL program, Aguilar hopes to enroll in an allied health degree program.