![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.scu.edu\/writeherewritenow\/files\/2012\/01\/alicia-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Alicia Forbrich<\/p><\/div>\n
continuing education to working adults–helping them learn new skills, develop their creativity, and lead more balanced lives.<\/p>\n
The child of a German father and Japanese mother, Alicia has always been fascinated by other cultures. After getting a degree in International Business from the University of San Francisco and an M.B.A. from San Jose State, she had a successful career with a company building international shipping containers. But she dreamed of starting a school.<\/p>\n
Today, she says \u201cI\u2019m fortunate to be able to go for my dream.” The San Jose Learning Center reflects her vision of a successful, creative life in the 21st<\/sup> century, offering courses in 15 languages including Mandarin, Cantonese, Persian, Korean, Tagalog, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, ESL, and American Sign Language as well as Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and French.<\/p>\n The curriculum helps promote a balanced life: languages to expand students\u2019 The Center\u2019s classes are reasonably priced, seven weeks long, and small, giving personal attention to students. Classes are offered on weekday evenings and Saturdays, to accommodate schedules of working adults. The Center has ample parking and a break room with healthy snacks and wi-fi where people study and meet friends between classes, building community–another part of a balanced life. The Center also offers some free classes, such as Small Business 101, to help people start up their own small businesses, and Money Management, to help with personal finances.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve never worked so hard in my life,\u201d says Alicia, \u201cand I\u2019ve never been happier.\u201d While old job brought her money, security, and benefits, following her dream gives her a deep sense of purpose. She sees her school \u201cmaking a difference every day,\u201d she says, as students gain new knowledge, become more fit and confident, building the skills and courage they need to make a positive difference in the world. That\u2019s Alicia\u2019s dream.<\/p>\n Now it\u2019s your turn. The year is new. What dream has been calling out to you? Take a deep breath and see yourself living your dream.<\/p>\n Now ask yourself, \u201cWhat is one small step I can take to get started?\u201d Take that step to make 2012 a bright new beginning– right here and right now<\/p>\n For more information<\/strong> about the San Jose Learning Center, visit www.sanjoselearningcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n 490 West San Carlos St. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Despite our many challenges, the new year always brings a ray of light, a promise of new possibilities. This time last year, Alicia Forbrich left her secure job to follow her dream. In January, 2011, she opened opened the San … Continue reading <\/a>international understanding, practical classes in business and computer skills, classes in the arts\u2014writing, drawing, calligraphy\u2014to promote creativity, and health and fitness classes\u2014yoga, body toning, martial arts, and nutrition\u2014to help students lead more balanced lives. \u201cMost busy people don\u2019t take the time to study what they need for their own health,\u201d says Alicia. At Silicon Valley companies people spend all day sitting at their desks, sit in their cars to commute, never giving their bodies the exercise they need. Most students come to the Learning Center to learn a language for their work, with their tuition often paid by their companies. Health and fitness classes are scheduled before and after the language classes, so people can conveniently add them to their schedules. Since\u201ca company can only be as strong as its owner,\u201d Alicia works out every day. Running is her passion\u2014\u201cthe only time I get pure silence,\u201d time to organize her thoughts, answer her own questions, and get inspiration for the next step in her journey.<\/p>\n
\nSan Jose, CA 95110
\n(408) 722-1785<\/p>\n