When Magaly Larrondo arrived in Sault Ste. Marie from her hometown of Vera Cruz, Mexico, she was already an accomplished professional – over 15 years teaching experience in high school and university, plus a Master’s Degree in Marketing.
But as she was confronted with the challenges of adapting to the Canadian way of life – a different pace of life, a new language and culture – she quickly realized that this journey would require more than just academic qualifications.
Larrondo knew she was going to have to learn skills, grow confidence, and lean on support from the community,
She found her way to Superior Adult Learning, a Sault Ste. Marie-based organization that has been helping adults gain essential literacy and life skills since 1987. Through its free programs, the centre provides the tools that adults need to build confidence, gain independence, and secure meaningful employment.
For Larrondo, Superior Adult Learning did more than just teach skills — it opened doors to new opportunities and connections. “The most important part of the program was learning about the skills that Canadian employers demand,” she added. “I was one of the first students in that program, and I feel like I’ve been a success.”
Building Confidence and Community
For Larrondo, one of the greatest challenges of moving to a new country was the loss of her professional identity.
“Back home, I was a teacher and a professor at the university. But when you come to another country where nobody knows you, it’s hard to feel confident in doing the same work. It’s like starting from scratch.”
Through the Skills for Success program, she not only gained practical knowledge about the Canadian workplace, but also built the confidence to reconnect with her professional roots.
“The program helped me feel open to learning again, to develop skills that may seem basic but are necessary to adapt to a new environment."
Today, Larrondo works at the Sault Community Career Centre, where she helps others in similar situations. She also develops social media content for Superior Adult Learning as a volunteer.
“It’s important for me to give back to the organization and the community that welcomed me," she explains.
Lessons from Home and the Journey Ahead
Larrondo credits her late father with inspiring her resilience and determination. "When I was a child, he always told me three things: 'I believe in you, I trust you, and you can do it.' Those words have stayed with me, especially during difficult moments when I’ve felt afraid of starting over."
Those words gave her the strength to engage with her new community, joining her children’s parent council and seeking out opportunities to contribute.
“For me, it’s part of the way I can help improve the community. And if I can do that, I will.”
Larrondo also acknowledges the hospitality of the people in Sault Ste. Marie as key to her positive experience in Canada.
“The people here are incredibly friendly and patient,” Larrondo said. “They’ve made us feel welcome, and that’s a big reason why we’re happy to live here.”
Looking forward, Larrondo hopes to continue improving her English and eventually return to university to teach.
“I want to keep learning and growing,” she said, “because that’s how I can continue to be part of this community.”
Russ Dunn’s journey to literacy has been an adventure.
After the death of his fiancee, Dunn left his home of London, Ontario, to embark on a cross-country trip, destined to find a better place and a happier start.
It was time to turn the page, Dunn said. But the road ahead wasn’t easy. On the “high end of the autism spectrum,” Dunn said being functionally unable to read or write at the age of 57 had stunted his potential.
But in Sault Ste. Marie, he found that new beginning.
It wasn’t just about a new town with new surroundings. Dunn began to turn his life around with a commitment to re-learning the basics.
“I tried going to so many schools,” Dunn said. “But every one of them was an open class – six, seven people, with the same methods they use in high school. And I can’t learn that way.
“But at Superior, they’ve got one-on-one sessions, even with your own room if you need it.”
The opportunity for a personalized approach was transformative. For Russ, it wasn’t about a standard curriculum but rather finding a way to feel confident about learning.
“When I walked in, I told them, ‘I don’t want to learn like they teach in regular school. I want to start by learning about the English language itself, where it came from.’ And they were open to that,” he said.
The instructors at Superior Adult Learning made sure he felt comfortable and in control of his education, starting with his interests and easing into reading over time.
“They got me interested, first. Then after a year, it just clicked. My spelling improved, my reading improved. It took three years, but they taught me the way that I needed.”
For Russ, learning to read has opened a world of possibility.
“My father was a doctor, and I always wanted to do something in that field. Now, I want to be an orthodontist. It feels possible because I can read, and I have confidence now.”
Also on the list of things he’d like to do: he’s already got plans to develop a mobile app.He also now dreams of doing more, not just academically, but face to face with people in his community.
“They opened a lot of doors because I feel confident with myself now,” he said. “Before, I would have said no to speaking up or meeting people. But I want to venture out more, teach people things I’ve learned. I want to see more, do more, speak up more.”
“And that wasn’t me before.”
As he thinks back on those first days walking into Superior Adult Learning, Dunn said the most important thing has been the contact and personal attention the centre’s instructors have afford him.
“For me, Superior Adult Learning means happiness. It’s the first time I’ve found a place willing to work with me in the way I need to be taught,” he said.
Superior Adult Learning goes beyond traditional education, offering a supportive and personalized approach that helps adults of all ages unlock new skills and build confidence.
From helping seniors improve their digital skills to guiding learners through literacy and workplace preparation, Superior Adult Learning creates a welcoming, one-on-one environment where every individual can progress at their own pace.
With services tailored to each person’s unique goals, the centre provides a relaxed space for hands-on learning, fostering independence and connection. Whether learning to read, improving practical math skills, or exploring digital tools, Superior Adult Learning empowers individuals to take charge of their future. It’s never too late to start a new chapter – contact Superior Adult Learning today to take the first step.
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For more information, contact us at:
Superior Adult Learning
- 955 Queen Street East, Suite 320, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6A 2C3, Canada
- (705) 946-3953
- [email protected]