A Reflection by Lynn Davies,
ESL Instructor and Program Facilitator
Aicha is listed first in my attendance record of Mercy Learning Center's beginning English language class and, despite her allergies and a few seasonal colds, has yet to miss a day of school!
Aicha, originally from Morocco, has been in the United States for 10 months and is married to Khalid, a cabinet maker. Together, they want to make a better life for themselves, and are working hard to succeed. They grew up on the same street in Meknes, a large city in central Morocco. Khalid came to the U.S. five years ago, learned English, found steady work, earned his U.S. citizenship and returned to his homeland to marry Aicha.
Aicha, one of eight children, went to school in Meknes and studied French and Spanish. Her first language is Arabic, but after Aicha masters English, she will definitely be multi-lingual. Aicha's intelligence is obvious, but she is especially fortunate to have attended school; it gave her a foundation of knowledge that so many of our students from poorer countries lack. Aicha's solid reading and math skills make the transition to learning English seamless. She carefully chooses her words, is particular about pronunciation, and even at the beginning level can craft well structured sentences and communicate effectively.
Aicha is an anchor of our class, helping classmates who are not catching on quite as fast, leading her table in 'Scrabble Spelling", and the student I know I can count on to welcome visitors to the center.
Aicha and Khalid showed their appreciation of Mercy Learning Center's by preparing a Moroccan meal for the class. They went to an ethnic market to ensure that all ingredients were authentic, and the result was a beautifully presented and delicious Couscous with lamb and root vegetables.
Aicha is a respectful, diligent and curious learner, who values her time at Mercy Learning Center. How blessed we are to have her as a student. |
A Reflection by Volunteer Tutor Dorothy Gagnon
For nearly 30 years I was a Military Officer's wife. My husband was fairly senior and as his wife I was expected to fulfill a particular role. At the same time I was a music teacher. We moved often and I learned to jump in and plant roots quickly. His retirement from the military and acceptance of a civilian job meant another move, this time here to Connecticut. My teaching credential was not accepted, my children were grown and had left the roost and I had a need to do something significant.
We often drove south on I-95 and had passed by the Mercy Learning Center. One day I wrote the name down, hoping to jog my memory later. When I looked it up online I was impressed with the service it provided to the community and to women especially. I discovered an introductory luncheon such as this one and I sent in my e-mail reservation.
When I drove in the parking lot - early - I hoped that I was doing the right thing. From the moment I walked through the door until I left two hours later I was blanketed with sincere kindness and affirmation. My past of moving, military, and motivated children (my two were both valedictorians) was all credited to me as "life experiences" and I was made to feel valued. On the tour we met students coming out of classes. They were smiling and looked us right in the eye. (And as you know, that is rare here in Connecticut.) I was hooked.
This summer I tutored a group of women, and I tutor five ladies now. We've played "Scattergories" and made a flag cake, we practice the every day communication skills so very necessary in this English-speaking area. The women are motivated and are extremely grateful for the education they are receiving. If you ever have a "down" day, come here and you'll feel honored by these women. They are raising families, working jobs, and trying hard to learn English or get their GED. They value their tutors and their educational opportunities.
I am thankful to be making a difference and the light in the eyes of a woman who "gets it" is enough. But wait, there's more! Margie says "hello" and greets you by name when you walk through the door. Diane knows your name - all of us. Lynn is always willing to help with ideas and the implementation of them. Linda in the computer lab has plans designed for each student's level of ability. Jane smiles and thanks you for doing a good job. I've seen these women with the students and the care and concern they show is inspiring. There are many others dedicating their time to support the mission here but I've had the most contact with these four. These other women are also willing to help a tutor with a lesson. We made a cake and my students got to practice introductions as they delivered the cake to real people. Now when they have a need they've already met the person who can best help them and there is no fear or even awkwardness. Everyone gets along when there's cake involved.
Tutors and teachers are supported not only by the staff but by the materials available here. The resource room is filled with materials to help you do the best job you can. There is a library with books the students and their tutors can check out. Sometimes there are donations of items that can be used as gifts and incentives for these hard-working women.
I guess you can tell that I have found my niche here at Mercy Learning Center. I can serve and I am valued. I'm doing something significant. |
