Kishwar Rashid is a proud lifelong learner. In 1976, Kishwar’s son came to the U.S. to pursue higher education, and when he graduated and found a job in New York, she joined him in the states. After getting settled in New York, Kishwar began working towards becoming an American citizen. Though she was trying to prepare for the process on her own, Kishwar began seeking out additional ways to get ready for the citizenship test and interview process. It wasn’t long before someone introduced her to Skyline Literacy.

Though Kishwar lived in New York, she was still able to take advantage of Skyline’s resources through virtual options, which presented a whole new set of skills to learn. “When I first started, I didn’t know how to work zoom, or how to set up a zoom account. Without the help of Jyar Abdulla (Skyline’s program manager), I could not have been here today, talking about this program.”

In addition to helping her get set up with technology, Kishwar says that Skyline staff and teachers made the citizenship preparation courses themselves fun, welcoming, and educational.

“I felt really good during the first class. The teachers are helpful and supportive, and they explain things two or three times to help you understand. I knew that if I asked questions, they would respond, and if I needed something, they would help.”

Kishwar encourages those pursuing citizenship to look into Skyline as an option. And reminds them that if she, at the age of 74 years, could succeed and learn in these classes, that they can, too.

“I would definitely advise them to join Skyline Literacy classes because I benefited so much from them” she says, adding that the organized structure of the class has allowed her to learn a lot about the citizenship process and feel more prepared for her interview. When asked what excites her most about becoming a citizen, Kishwar says that she is ecstatic to be a part of the democratic system of America.

“I think this is a very democratic country with so many opportunities. There is so much freedom of speech, religion, press, you know… few countries can offer that. And I’m excited to be a part of this country as a citizen."