LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Fermin Jimenez upon the occasion of
being named Student of the Year by the New York Association for
Continuing/Community Education, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary pursuit of education as adults; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Fermin Jimenez upon the occasion of being named Student of the Year by
the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education, Inc., at
its 27th Annual Student of the Year Awards and Legislative Breakfast on
March 10, 2010, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Fermin Jimenez understands better than anyone the value of
education and the challenges and obstacles that are faced by some in
trying to obtain that education, particularly as an adult; and
WHEREAS, Born in Cuautla, Mexico, and raised on a farm, with little
education, Fermin Jimenez migrated to Yonkers, New York, at 21 years of
age to seek a better life; upon his arrival and unable to speak English,
he became employed as a dishwasher in the popular restaurant, La Pietra;
when work became slow, he managed to find landscaping jobs; and
WHEREAS, Becoming homesick, Fermin Jimenez returned to Mexico for
several months; he soon realized that Mexico was not the place to reach
his goals and dreams, so once again, he returned to New York and became
a busboy at Otto's Restaurant in Bronxville; and
WHEREAS, Striving for more, Fermin Jimenez sought to be a waiter so
that he could properly sustain himself and send money back home to his
family; his major obstacle was being unable to speak English; and
WHEREAS, In October of 2008, Fermin Jimenez began his quest as an
enrollee in the ESL classes in the Yonkers Public Schools Adult Pathways
to Success Program; he has finished all of the ESL classes and since
September of 2009, he has advanced from the third grade reading level
(NRS level 2) to the attainment of a reading score of 8.5 (NRS level 4);
and
WHEREAS, Currently working as a waiter at Reino's Restaurant on the
weekends, Fermin Jimenez shares an apartment with two of his brothers
who have also migrated from Mexico; he also is a part of the Mexican-Am-
erican Soccer League in Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, A talented and driven young man, Fermin Jimenez has demon-
strated integrity and honor in pursuit of his dream to change the course
of his entire future in becoming a restaurant owner; and
WHEREAS, Fermin Jimenez may now stand with just pride in assessing his
achievements, experiencing the satisfaction of his labors and the joy of
his accomplishments, eager to face the challenge of new ventures; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Fermin Jimenez upon the occasion of being named Student of the
Year by the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education,
Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Fermin Jimenez.