My name is Nicholas Nieves, and I was born in Puerto Rico. From July 1976 to September 1997 I served in the U.S. Army. I started in 2004 as a special education assistant before moving to my current post as ELL Assistant. In this position I help students at different levels of English language comprehension. I find this position a professional and personal joy. In the former, I am personally helping shape a future citizen. In the latter, I came to the US in 1967 before ELL was offered. I am almost certain that I did not receive assistance while attending PS 85 in the Bronx. Therefore , I know firsthand know the road on which our students are walking.