Define Your Own Path │ My TOEFL® Success Story: Ana Traversa

Summary

Anna Traverse, originally from Argentina, reflects on her transformative journey to the United States. Raised in a humble home, she developed an independent mindset from an early age, learning to read at just 2 or 3 years old. Her passion for knowledge led her to a life-changing exchange program at UMass Amherst, where she encountered a world of intellectual exploration and opportunities. Despite challenges and family expectations, Anna pursued further education and became the first Latin American student in UMass's English program, eventually achieving success as a TOEFL educator.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anna Traverse' is originally from Argentina and has been living in the United States for nearly 11 years.
• 😀 Her parents were older when she was born, and she was an only child. Her mother was a homemaker, and her father was a carpenter.
• 😀 Anna's childhood was focused on becoming independent as early as possible, with an emphasis on education and self-sufficiency.
• 😀 She learned to read and write at a very young age, around 2 or 3 years old, and had a strong desire to succeed academically.
• 😀 Despite having limited access to books at home, Anna made the most of what she could find, particularly used English books.
• 😀 At age 26, she participated in a six-week exchange program at UMass Amherst, which exposed her to a wealth of knowledge.
• 😀 Anna was amazed by the 26-story library at UMass, which contained over 4 million books, offering vast opportunities for learning.
• 😀 She interacted with peers who had extensive knowledge in various fields like politics, philosophy, history, and science, expanding her horizons.
• 😀 During her time at UMass, she was offered a full tuition waiver for a master's degree, but this decision was a difficult one for her family to understand.
• 😀 By 1990, Anna became the first-ever Latin American student in the English program at UMass, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.
• 😀 Anna's story is an example of determination and personal growth, as she eventually achieved success in teaching at the university level and later worked with TOEFL.

Q & A

What was the turning point in Anna Traverse's life?

The turning point in Anna's life came when she had the opportunity to visit UMass Amherst on an exchange program, where she was exposed to a new world of knowledge and intellectual ideas.

What was Anna's background before coming to the United States?

Anna was born in Argentina to older parents—her mother was a homemaker, and her father was a carpenter. She was an only child and had an independent upbringing, where she learned to read and write at a young age.

How did Anna's exposure to books shape her intellectual development?

Although there were few books at home, Anna's eagerness to learn drove her to seek out books wherever she could, especially in English. This early passion for reading broadened her knowledge and opened up new possibilities in her life.

What was Anna's reaction to the library at UMass Amherst?

Upon arriving at UMass Amherst, Anna was astonished by the size of the library, which had over four million books. This immense access to knowledge was a mind-opening experience for her.

What made Anna want to pursue further education despite having a secure job?

Anna's desire for continued learning and academic growth led her to pursue further studies, despite already having a stable teaching job. She was determined to expand her intellectual horizons and believed it was the right path for her.

How did Anna's family react to her decision to pursue higher education in the U.S.?

Anna's family did not fully understand or support her decision, as it meant being far away from them. This created a personal challenge for her, but she chose to follow her own path in the hope that they would one day understand her decision.

What significant achievement did Anna make while studying at UMass?

Anna became the first-ever Latin American student in the English program at UMass, a groundbreaking achievement for both her and the university.

What opportunity did Anna receive from UMass at the end of her exchange program?

At the end of her exchange program, UMass offered Anna a full tuition waiver for a master's degree, which became a pivotal moment in her academic journey.

What challenges did Anna face while studying in the United States?

Apart from being away from her family, Anna faced the challenge of adapting to a new cultural and educational environment while pursuing a higher level of education, which was not fully understood by those close to her.

How does Anna's story reflect the transformative power of education?

Anna's story highlights how education can open up new worlds, transform personal identities, and empower individuals to pursue their passions and dreams, even when facing significant cultural and familial obstacles.