Ana Carolina Cevallos

A Leap of Faith

Hello, my name is Ana Carolina, and this is my story.

I am from Quito, Ecuador, a beautiful country located in South America. Ecuador is known for being in the middle of the world, exactly on the Equator line, which is the origin of its name. It is also famous for the Galápagos Islands, a unique place full of incredible flora and fauna.

I chose to call my story “A Leap of Faith” because that is exactly how I felt when I decided to move to Los Angeles. I worked for an insurance company in Quito for 18 years, where I built my career and professional experience. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I traveled to Miami to visit a friend who would later become my husband.

We fell in love, and after four years of engagement, we decided to get married. This decision meant leaving my job, the career I had built over many years, my family, and everything I knew behind. It was not an easy choice, but I reminded myself that I could always find another job, while a true soulmate comes only once in a lifetime.

Taking this leap of faith was not only about starting over in a new country, but also about choosing love. I arrived with a heart full of hope and love, but also with sadness for everything I left behind. Even so, I believe that every new beginning brings growth, strength, and new opportunities.

 

In June 2024, Ana began her new life in Los Angeles and enrolled at Venice Skills Center later that fall after searching online for ESL classes near her home in Marina del Rey.

Since joining VSC, she has strengthened her English skills and gained confidence through daily study and supportive instruction. She is especially grateful to Mr. Hanes and Ms. Powers, whose guidance has helped her grow in both speaking and grammar. She also explored career training by attending a Graphic Design class and looks forward to continuing her professional growth.

With a background in insurance and a degree in Business Administration from Ecuador, Ana understands she is building a new path in the United States. Her focus is clear: improve her English, complete career training, and secure employment.

Her journey reflects courage, resilience, and the belief that taking a leap of faith can lead to meaningful new beginnings.