Meet Eunice Diaz | Citizenship Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eunice Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eunice, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business came to me as an AHA moment. At the time I started toying with the idea of starting a “business” out of my talents, I was employed by the Department of Education in Colorado, working a full time job as an English as a Second Language teacher. Teaching adult immigrants basic English lessons and life skills in a new country really gave me a new found respect for immigrants and their families.

One night, an elder student from Mexico approached me asking me to help him study for his citizenship test that was coming soon. I asked him what the test was about, what the requirements were, the scoring system used and all the questions related to the topic. I am Puertorrican and Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States, so I was born with an American citizenship and to be honest, until that moment, I didn’t know people needed to take a test to become a citizen, I guess I never had thought about it really… I was ignorant about the topic.

That night, when I got home, I started thinking about all the students in my class, in the whole program, that were probably having the same situation, that needed assistance with the citizenship test. I realized that I was already helping my students with their English skills and that I could also help with their immigration status, knowing that I am fully bilingual and already posses skills to teach adults. I soon started reading about the whole citizenship process, the requirements, the test, the responsibilities and rights people acquire once they become citizens and soon I became an expert on the topic.

I created a poll and asked the students in my classrooms some questions about their needs, etc
After gathering some information, I started letting people know that I could help them study for the test, that I had created a system with which they can study better and more focused, word of mouth happened and soon Spanish immigrants from all over Colorado Springs were calling my number and inquiring about my services. That was back in 2009, which means that I have been teaching and coaching citizenship students for more that 12 years now. What started as a “side hustle” now consumes most of my days. I love teaching immigrants and I love being part of this life-changing experience in the lives of my students.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my charisma and genuine interest in the lives and well-being of my students. Every month I feel this sense of accomplishment and huge pride because I know that what I do, really makes a difference in the lives of my students, that what I do has a ripple effect in the lives of the family members of my students, too.

I am where I am because all my professional decisions have led me here, I was and will always be a teacher, even if I am no longer in a classroom environment. All my teacher trainings, professional development meetings, my education and courses taken throughout the years have prepared me to coach and teach others.

My business pre-pandemic was pretty straight forward and easy to manage, although time-consuming; before the Corona virus, I used to teach classes at the local library and even at my students’ homes. When the pandemic came full force, since the whole nation had adopted social-distancing, I had to change the whole model of my lessons and coaching experience.

All my lessons started morphing into “power point” presentations that were shorter, included more visual elements and required some explaining of what the class dynamic was going to be like. My adult immigrant students were not used to all this technology, some of them did not even know how to click on links, how to open documents, how to print material required for the lesson, etc That was the biggest challenge for me! Teaching them how to be cyber-students.

I have learned that people are very resilient, that we can all learn any skill if we practice numerous times, I found a new respect for traditional teaching and I have come to appreciate my students more and more.
Ciudadanía con Eunice strives to provide learning experiences for adult immigrants who want to become citizens and who want to learn about the History and Civics of the United States while they learn some basic English in the process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Colorado Springs, an exciting place where we pride ourselves in the fact that we have 300 days of sun a year… that alone is a selling point!

I would start by visiting the Garden of the Gods, followed by a tour of the Glen Eyre Castle (next to the Garden of the Gods). I would eat in Old Colorado City at La Baguette (French-inspired food) and then a nice walk through Downtown Colorado Springs, making sure that I visit the Acacia Park and Uncle Wilbur’s Fountain.

If you’re into the arts, I would definitely visit the Fine Arts Center, or if you’re more into history… The Museum of the Pioneers.

For outdoor activities, Colorado Springs is the right place, you can visit the Helen Hunts Falls, complete The Incline in Manitou Springs, walk through the Caves of the Winds, see animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (including the Shrine), experience how Native Americans lived at the Cliff Dwellings and go to the arcade at Manitou Springs.

One of my favorite attractions is the Olympic Center and a must-see… the Miramont Castle.

Do not forget to swing by the 5 star hotel called The Broadmor Hotel and the Carriage Museum located just across the street from the hotel.

A few more things: the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Paint Mines and the Peterson Air and Space Museum and the Air Force Academy Chapel.

For food: La Carreta Mexican Restaurant, Little Nepal (Indian food), Na Rai (Thai cuisine), Chinese buffet on Powers, wow… there’s just so many good places.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to all the hard-working immigrants of this nation who against all odds, make it happen. ¡Sí se puede!

Website: www.ciudadaniaconeunice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciudadania_con_eunice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ciudadaniaconEunice

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Tcrw97ZTd7mctmr6eRAlg