Current Tutors
At our March training, we were impressed and motivated as a student and her two tutors shared their successes and trials in the process of learning English. Enjoy the story in their own words.
Maria Garcia:
When I came here from my country around 5 years ago, I was afraid most of the time because I couldn’t speak English. I remember when someone was knocking at my front door, I didn’t want to open it, because I was sure that the person who was there only spoke English.
If I was in the store I prayed to find a cashier who could speak Spanish. Sometimes I went to my sons’ school to deal with anything about my kids I waited for a long time if there was not somebody who could translate.
I remember one time when my younger son broke his elbow. When we arrived at the hospital I could just say, “he broke his elbow,” but I couldn’t understand what they answered. We needed to wait for one hour for a translator, because the doctors couldn’t give any attention before I answered some questions. They were simple, but necessary questions that I couldn’t understand, while my son had to wait with a lot of pain.
There are some reasons that I was needing to learn English. I went for some time to an English class and I was learning slowly, because the class was large, the sessions were short, and I didn’t have lots of time to study. So when a good friend told me about a wonderful program where the people were really learning English, I was interested in it. This program is ESLC.
When I started it I spoke bad English, needed to use my dictionary all the time, and was using my hands so that my teacher could understand me. I was asking my husband and my sons some things about my homework. I could understand when I spoke with persons who speak English, but to read aloud or write a letter for myself was nearly an impossible mission to me.
But now my life is really different. I don’t worry when I need to go anywhere, because I can understand what people are telling me. A translator is not needed when I go to the school of my sons, and I can explain or ask what is necessary. I can speak with the coach of my sons’ teams, also.
Now when I go to the store I look for a short lane to pay instead of an Hispanic person. Some times when my kids’ friends come to our home I can speak with them and understand what they are saying when they are playing.
I have an opportunity to know different persons and cultures of other countries. I go to the doctor and I can answer the questions and write if necessary. I don’t need to wait for a long time for a translator, and I can receive medical attention early. I can call everyone that I need and understand what they are telling me. I can speak with my insurance agent.
My life if simpler, more tranquil, and more happy.
Bonnie Jemmett:
Tutoring English for Maria has been a privilege and a joy. She is serious about wanting to know English and so appreciative of what we do, that it is almost embarrassing since we have enjoyed the experience so much. We have exchanged stories about the different cultural customs of our two countries, shared recipes and ideas about child care, just like any new friends would do. Team teaching has been a perfect arrangement for us. Not only does it provide built in coverage in the event one of us being unable to be there for a session, but also because it would be impossible for me to participate without transportation which Anita very steadily has provided.
Anita Rigstad:
The most important factor contributing to Maria’s progress is Maria. She is literate in Spanish, which meant we could use parts of speech terms to explain grammar, and we could use reading and writing as well as speaking. She is a student who understands just what she needs to do to learn: write the new word, repeat it several times, use it in a sentence, and review between sessions. She has been very diligent in studying and has followed Bonnie’s repeated advice, “Speak English everyday.” Speak it at home even if your family wants to speak Spanish, go places that you have to use English.
Our instruction was individualized because we could respond to the topics and concerns of the moment. We had a very significant language experience as Maria told us about a child at school who was bullying her son. We developed the vocabulary needed to explain the situation to the school counselor, and planned answers. She was empowered to resolve the school problem herself.
We had fun. The “th” sound does not occur in Spanish, so is very difficult to pronounce. To practice the sound we sang a song each Thursday when we met. While working on synonyms, Maria asked for a definition of “bother” and “annoy” which was fun to demonstrate.