When Jyar Abdulla graduated with her B.A. in international affairs in 2018, she knew two things: she loved working with immigrants, and she placed a high value on education. A few months later, in the summer of 2019, Abdulla found an opportunity that brought together these two passions-- a job as the program manager for Skyline Literacy.
Abdulla’s job with Skyline is relational and student focused. She is often the person getting students plugged in with classes, helping them navigate potential obstacles for attendance and retention, and touching base with students to hear how classes are going.
When asked why Skyline works for students, Abdulla cites the programs versatility as a major factor in its success. “We offer classes online and in-person, so we can really help students who may not be able to make the in-person class work with their situation or schedule.” It is this versatility that has led to students from all over the country to sign up for Skyline’s online citizenship class. “I’ve had students from Florida and Michigan contact me for our citizenship classes” Abdulla says. “We know the need is there, because we have these students signing up."
“The hardest part of my job is keeping retention in classes…sometimes I cannot help with the obstacle the student is facing. I can’t change their job schedule, or provide childcare, or get them the transportation they need.” For the greater Harrisonburg & Rockingham community, Abdulla says that the work Skyline does matters because communities are like systems; if one part is struggling or needs help, then the whole system is impacted.
“We should care because our learners are part of this community, and we should all help so our community can be better. For example, if someone at your workplace, someone at Cargill, is struggling with their English and cannot read a sign, then it’s not only dangerous for them, but dangerous for everyone on the production line. So, if we are able to help our neighbors, we are in a way, helping ourselves and our city.”
Despite some of the difficulties and obstacles, Abdulla says that her favorite part of her job is watching a student reach their goal. “For example, when a student becomes a citizen, they almost always call me right after they pass. It makes me so happy, because we’ve worked hard to provide one-on-one tutoring or a class for them, and they’ve also put in the work and time to make this happen. So, it’s just really exciting for everyone.”