Anibal

Three years ago, at the age of 33, Anibal emigrated from Peru, leaving behind his family and homeland in search of better opportunities in the U.S. His application to business school had been denied, but Anibal's drive to build a successful life was not deterred.

Anibal knew it would be difficult coming alone without any family in the United States and with limited English skills. But he was up to the challenge, and immigrant support resources in D.C. led him to CAAB, where he started a matched savings account to continue his education in America. Anibal recognizes the importance of education for moving up the ladder of opportunity, and he is using his matched savings account to take English classes at Montgomery College. “After I complete my education, I will be in a better position to get a better job.”

He is working hard to improve his English and plans to take the TOEFL test soon, with the aspiration to attend Georgetown University's Certification in Business and Professional English program. Anibal admits he has found it challenging to learn a new language as an adult and balance his several jobs and classes. To keep himself on track towards reaching his savings goal and completing his education, Anibal has developed a strict budget to ensure that he is saving regularly, often exceeding his goal of saving $50 a month in his account. As a reminder of his goal, Anibal keeps a sticker of the Georgetown University mascot, a bulldog, on his computer, so he is reminded each time he sits down that second chances do exist.