Vietnamese Immigrant Teaches Children Through Her Own Life Lessons.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Nancy Tran Cantrell, a Vietnamese immigrant, didn't start learning English until her mid-thirties. Now 59, she uses the hurdles she overcame to inspire schoolchildren. On hand to present Ms. Cantrell with the award was actress Allison Arngrim, best known for her role as Nellie on Little House on the Prairie.

Ms. Cantrell mentors students at several middle schools and after-school programs at Boys and Girls Clubs in Orange County. She talks to the kids about how she got by when she first came to the states, facing a new language and culture. Many of the children she speaks to are from foreign countries and can relate to her experience. But even those who can't relate literally still benefit from her lessons because the message is universal: You can be somebody if you focus on the positive!

Ms. Cantrell has more than two dozen lessons that teach the children how to use positive thinking and visualization to build self-esteem and make solid life choices that will get them to where they want to be. In a typical lesson, Nancy tells one of her inspirational stories, then encourages the students to write essays on that particular topic. These lessons are intended to get kids on a goal-oriented path, explore their dreams, and understand that if they believe in themselves and their capabilities, they can achieve those dreams they're writing about. Nancy has also written a book called Seeds of Hope in which she chronicles her struggles and accomplishments so that others can use them as a road map for their own success.

The California State Lottery's "Heroes in Education" award has been presented monthly on The Big Spin show since 1999. The Lottery partners with celebrities to present these awards, which recognize special individuals who volunteer time and resources to their schools and communities.

For more information about getting a copy of Nancy Cantrell's book, or to get her to speak at your local school, please e-mail her at [e-mail]. And, for details about past "Heroes in Education" and what the California Lottery contributes to public education, please visit http://www.calottery.com/Support.