Sneak Peak

Blogs are awesome because they give journalists a place to preview and publish their work.

So in keeping with this sentiment, below is a preview of the story I have been working on for the past few weeks concerning Immigration. The article below is the web version of a longer print story entitled “Paying It Forward: Immigrants Helping Immigrants.”

CLARKE SQUARE, WI-- Victoria Dubrovina is a first-generation immigrant. Originally from Russia, she moved to the United States 12 years ago. Like many immigrants, she came in search of greater opportunity, not knowing the opportunity she herself would one day provide.

Six years after becoming a U.S. citizen, Dubrovina is working hard to help other immigrants obtain their citizenship.

“I think I can relate to my students because I know what I went through they’re probably going through too and that’s why I think I can help them more than anybody else.” Dubrovina said.

Last January, Dubrovina, in partnership with the adult education center Journey House, started a citizenship class. Drawing on her own first hand experiences, Dubrovina has developed a curriculum specifically designed to help students get their citizenship.

“When I did it for myself, everything was new. What do I do next? What do I do next?” Dubrovina said. “Now I can show them easily.”

Her students are especially appreciative of her insight and look at her as more of a friend than a teacher.

Currently, Dubrovina has five students in her citizenship class. They all plan to become citizens before next year’s presidential election.

Remember, if you like what you read there will be more content posted to the projects website at a later date.