My name is Sarah. I’m 22 years old. I’m Brazilian, I’ve been here in Worcester, Massachusetts since February 4th. I arrived here with a little English, and now with the help of the ESOL courses offered by the LVGW, I have improved my level and understanding of this language, so I am helping this program by volunteering, facilitating the registration of new students.
My name is Karina. My first year in the United States was exciting but also challenging. Although I was thrilled to begin this new chapter in my life, I faced difficulties with migratory grief for over six months. I missed my home, my family, and everything I had left behind in Mexico. The feeling of loss and the adjustment to a new culture were challenges I hadn’t expected to encounter.
Then I discovered the support of Literacy Volunteers. Thanks to their English language classes, I was able to improve my language skills and gain the confidence to communicate in a new language. The staff at Literacy Volunteer not only taught me English but also provided emotional support and inspired me to give back to the community
That’s why I decided to become a volunteer for Literacy Volunteers. The experience of helping other immigrants learn English and adapt to their new life here has been rewarding and enriching. It fills me with joy to be able to contribute to the community that has provided me with so much support and opportunities.
My name is Beulah Griffe. I came to the U.S. 5 years ago from my birthplace in Venezuela. Back there, I worked at the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research. I am a chemist, and I used to work in research, first in an experimental laboratory and then modeling the catalytic reactions and processes with a computer. My husband and I came to Worcester because he was offered a project to work at UMASS and because the situation in Venezuela was getting very difficult. After arriving in the U.S, I decided to study English so that I could practice and improve my English skills.
When I found out that there was an English class at UMASS, I wrote to them. They answered that they weren’t offering the course anymore, but they were kind to send me a list of other Englishcourses. I selected Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester (LVGW), and I began studying in February 2019. Since then, I have been participating in classes every term.
In closing, I want to say that I like LVGW’s concept which is stated in its slogan that says, “Providing English language skills to help people thrive in our community since 1973”. Furthermore, I truly appreciate Literacy’s teachers who are talented, skilled, committed, and patient. In addition, I enjoy meeting people from other countries. I love to learn about their culture, customs, and Ideals,but most importantly, I want to improve my English level and learn about the U.S. and its people, culture, history, customs, policies, and politics.
I’m Michel. I was born in Haiti. Before coming to the USA in April 2023, I taught biology and chemistry at school in my country. I came to the USA to have a better life. I have no children. I would like to work as a medical assistant. I was going to school on Chatham Street. They have no room now for students, so they suggested to me to go to the Library to register for English classes with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester.
I’m a beginner in English. My teacher’s name is Faith. She’s great and patient. The class is friendly. The program helps me to speak English. I’m learning and improving my English because my goal is to become a medical assistant in this new country. I appreciate any information and resources that can help me to achieve my goal. Thank you.
Hello! I am Kisairi. I was born in the Dominican Republic, and I have a beautiful 2-year-old boy. In my country I was studying and I came to the United States in 2017 to finish. I have completed my two years of study and would like to go to university to become a nurse.
I was looking for classes in English with a friend and a person told us about Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester’s beginner online classes. My teacher Faith is very kind, carefully explaining the topics. The classmates are fun and good. I have learned words and verbs that I didn’t know. I really like English classes.
I am learning English because I want a better job with a career path, for a good future for my son and me, and also because I want to be a little more advanced in English. My dream is to become a US citizen. Learning to speak English and write better will help me succeed.
My name is Thi-Hue, and I was born in Laos. Later, I moved to France and met my husband. Together, we moved to the United States for better work opportunities. I have two children. My daughter is in medical school, pursuing an MD/PhD. My son is a software engineer who works in New York City. I also have three dogs that get along well.
I learned about LVGW from a friend who likes to learn languages. Currently, I am taking intermediary English classes to learn more vocabulary and common expressions for real life conversations. All of the teachers I have had are very friendly and engaging. They always have helpful advice when I am trying to practice pronunciation and grammar. More importantly, they go out of their way to make sure I get the help I need by providing extra practice problems and following up on questions I ask during class.
I am learning English because I would like to be more confident in my speaking. Taking English classes allows me to practice phrases that I can use in daily conversation. With my English, I hope to be able to engage more with my community and help through volunteering opportunities.
My name is Fatemeh. I am 30 years old and was born in Iran. I came to the US with my husband about seven months ago. Before coming here, I worked as a teacher in my country. We moved to the US to extend our studies and enhance our knowledge. I would like to continue my teaching career in the US as well.
I remember feeling excited and lost when I first came here. A friend told me about ESOL classes at LVGW, so I decided to try them. I went to their office and was warmly welcomed. It was like finding a new family. The staff helped me find my English level. I signed up for a class with Alex on Zoom in the evenings, which is convenient for me. I really like my teacher because she is friendly and patient, and I’ve made many friends in my class. I am learning English because I want to continue my teaching career in the US. I want to improve my social connections, make new friends, and have better job opportunities.
Loreta and Crystal have been working together since January 2020 after Crystal completed our 18-hour ESOL tutor training program. Here is what they have to say about their time together:
“I am Loreta. I am from Albania. I have 5 years living here in Worcester. I miss the language but with the help that Crystal teacher is giving me, I am feeling something different. I understand sentences, I know how to read short passages, write a little, describe and more! Crystal is a great teacher. She finds my weakest part and works with me until she is convinced that I have learned it. The teacher gives me the opportunity to give my ideas. Thank you for this great job you are doing with me.” –Loreta
“Loreta and I have been in constant communication with one another during this pandemic. We have been video chatting through WhatsApp as well as texting. I’ve also been creating powerpoint slides as lessons for her. That way she can continue practicing how to read and write on her own and then we discuss and have conversation through video chat to review what she’s learned so far. It’s been an amazing experience. Not only are we tutors helping our students grow and flourish in this country, but we are also giving them a voice. The students need the language in order to survive, communicate, and defend themselves in this country. The only way to do this is to break down these barriers.”
Olivia and Joan
Olivia: I’ve lived in Worcester for about one year. I am from China and I came here for school many years ago. I am thirty years old and I signed up for tutoring to improve my English speaking skills. I have been with my tutor, Joan, for about six months.
Joan: I am a retired lawyer and I became a Literacy Volunteer a few years ago. I wanted to work with people trying to find their place in a new country and community. Because that is a huge challenge, I thought students would be very motivated, positive and interesting individuals. And I was right!
What we have learned from tutoring:
Olivia: As I learned more cultural things and as my English has improved I have more confidence. I’m not afraid to talk with anyone now. I went to yoga class last week and introduced myself to a few people before class. When I went skiing I talked with people next to me in line and on the lift. I think understanding the culture is very important.
Things we have enjoyed doing together:
- Reading aloud and discussing books written for children or young people. These books have easier vocabulary, plot lines, are shorter than adult books and are fun.
- Reading and discussing newspaper articles about China and about American politics. This is difficult but rewarding.
- Finding and discussing unfamiliar vocabulary and idioms as we read and talk together.
- Talking about the similarities and the differences between China and America.
- Sharing some details about our respective cultures.
- Meeting in different places for weekly lessons. This gives us new topics of conversation and the chance for Olivia to practice conversation with other people. We have been to different coffee shops and the Courthouse where Joan used to work. We even spent one lesson talking about the American judicial system.
- Olivia was invited to speak at a Library Foundation event. She practiced her talk several times with Joan as the “audience”. We attended the event and Olivia did exceptionally well!
Favorite moments:
Both: When we have a conversation and are able to share our experiences in our families, our upbringing, and our different cultures with each other.
Olivia: Knowing I have the support of my tutor makes me happier.
Joan: Getting to know Olivia is a pleasure and having the opportunity to help her grow in her conversation skills and confidence is very rewarding.
Seetha and Carol
Seetha shared the following story in a room of over 40 people. We are so proud of her accomplishments, including this speech.
My name is Seetha. I live in Shrewsbury and I come from India. I am working at Reliant Medical Group in Westborough. I am teaching religious scripts for small kids through conference calls on weekday evenings. In the future I am planning to volunteer at a hospice once a week.
In my community, I am surrounded by highly qualified people like doctors and engineers. One day I was frustrated at work trying to reply to emails. Most of my replies were one-word answers like yes, okay, no, and thank you. I asked my coworkers for help. One of my coworkers recommended Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, and I signed up for tutoring.
Carol and I have been working together once a week for about 2.5 years. I have learned a lot from Carol. I have more confidence with my friends, in the workplace, and in the community.
Every week I look forward to my class. I book a room at the Shrewsbury Library. Carol brings a lot of interesting materials for my weekly class and homework. We discuss readings and sometimes laugh at the stories. I also learn English idioms from Carol. Those are my favorite moments.
I am thankful to the Literacy Volunteer group who introduced Carol in my life. She finds out what I need and how to improve my English. She patiently corrects my mistakes and teaches me how to fix the mistakes. She always encourages my work. Before I joined the program, I asked my kids to help me fix all the emails and text messages. Sometimes they would help, sometimes they would make faces. Now I reply to my emails with more confidence.
I was promoted from part time to full time at the front desk for lab and x-ray at Reliant Medical Group in Westborough.
I have improved my understanding of English reading comprehension.
I have more self-confidence.
I have increased my yearly test scores.
Finally, I accepted the invitation and spoke today.
This is my first English speech. Thank you for supporting me to learn English.
Lan Huy is a brave and soft spoken young man who recently opened his new graphic design and printing business right here in Worcester. In addition to graphic design and printing, he also has this incredibly complex but beautiful looking embroidery machine, which he is a master of!
He is also a tutored ESOL student at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, who recently immigrated to the United States from Vietnam with his young family to create a better life. He is so thankful for the opportunity of literacy, his tutor and his chance to create a good and happy life in the United States.
Lan named his business, Happy Colors, and he selected that name because it means a happy life for him and his family. He continues to meet with his tutor to master the English language and cultural expectations with his tutor Gary at weekly meetings.
Learn more about supporting local business at Happy Colors and consider becoming a tutor to help someone else gain English language skills.