A woman who enrolled in English classes through the West Hartford Public Schools Adult Education program credits her teacher with inspiring her success.

By Caren Dickman

In just the past two years, the Tarin family left Afghanistan, resettled in West Hartford and totally reshaped their lives. While living in Afghanistan, Freshta Tarin never worked, never completed college, didn’t drive, and didn’t know English. Her enrollment in West Hartford’s Adult Education Program played a significant role in reshaping her journey.

Life in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in 2021 was unbearable for Freshta, her husband, and their four children. They lived in hiding and in constant fear of being attacked by Taliban groups. With no income or protection, they continually moved, sometimes with her husband’s family.

In November 2023 they left Afghanistan for Pakistan and then to Albania in February 2024, before they finally managed to leave and come to the United States in March 2024.  

The Avon Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander, Tim Healy, and volunteer group organizer Carrie Firestone, helped the Tarin family with housing, health, financial, and language assistance. The team helped Nasir, Freshta’s husband, get a job at Travelers Insurance. They also helped the family move to West Hartford and brought Freshta to the West Hartford Adult Education Program to enroll in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

Freshta did not speak any English when they first arrived. Nasir knew English because he was formerly a linguist for the U.S. Marines, ISA Army and Special Operations forces – where he translated Farsi and Pashtu into English. Their four children, ages 13, 11, 8, and 6, also couldn’t speak English either but now they go to the West Hartford Public Schools and speak both English and Pashtu fluently. 

This past year has been Freshta’s “year of the firsts.” In just one year, she secured her first driver’s license, her first job interview, and her first job. Her husband drove all types of vehicles in Afghanistan for 20 years and jokes about how Freshta passed the Connecticut state driver’s license before he did – only two months after arriving here.

With no confidence and no previous employment experience, Freshta would never have dreamed of learning a new language, getting her first job, and learning how to drive a car in just one year. She graduated from a 12-year school in Afghanistan and went to college there for two years to study computer science but stopped her schooling to start her family.

Freshta Tarin works with Kayden Arzola at Morley School. Courtesy photo

Freshta attributes her success to the inspiration of her West Hartford Adult Education English teacher, Dawn Hambrecht. “Without her encouragement and help, it wouldn’t have been possible. I’m so appreciative.” Hambrecht encouraged her to apply for her first job and helped her prepare the application. She then guided her through the job interview process. In October 2025 Freshta was hired as a teacher’s aide at Morley School. 

She was recently promoted to a paraprofessional position there, in which she works with the classroom teacher and students who have behavioral issues. In order to qualify for this she completed the PMT (Physical/Psychological Management Training).

“I am very happy and proud to be at Morley Elementary School and so thankful for their help.” Her colleagues appreciate having her on the team and admire her kindness, dedication and willingness to learn. Third grade teacher Liz Wallack and Intensive Behavior teacher Jennifer Perlitz also talked about the smile on Freshta’s face and how much she nurtures the students. 

Principal Ryan Cleary said, “Even in the short time she has been with us I have seen her confidence and language grow. I am so impressed with Dawn and the West Hartford Adult Education Program for how they support families like Freshta’s as they enter our town and community.”  

Juggling her family and job responsibilities leaves Freshta no time for in-person English classes so she is continuing her English learning online at Capital Community College. Her eldest child is helping her master online learning. Freshta’s longer-term goal is to attend college to continue learning English and to become a school paraprofessional. 

Shelley Solomon, director of the West Hartford Adult Education Program, is also proud of Freshta. “She is a wonderful example of the power of adult education and its impact on an entire family and their community. Her presence at Morley School illustrates that Adult Education is truly coming out of the shadows and into the sunlight in West Hartford!”  

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