Reina (L) started studying English with Literacy Network in 2010. In addition to taking group classes, she also works with a personal tutor, Lauren. The pair meets weekly to practice reading, writing, and speaking. Recently, they prepared for a job interview for a position with a better schedule, and Reina got the job! Below, find excerpts and videos of recent interviews with the pair.
REINA
Why did you decide to take classes at Literacy Network?
I have a son with autism…It was really hard to understand the process, the medical staff, and school staff.
Describe your experience with Literacy Network.
Everyone are really respectful and friendly and is really patient with us. In every class they ask us what I need to learn in every single day. I feel really fortunate to study here because I don’t have the opportunity to study at my country. It’s really important to learn English in this country.
How has tutoring helped you work toward your goals?
Lauren is very patient to me. She is very funny. She explains to me in different way when I don’t understand some phrases or some vocabulary. Now I feel more comfortable when I have a conversation with doctors, teachers, or my neighbors. I love my neighbors. My coworkers too. Everyone is respectful with me. It’s really incredible when you can communicate in a different language.
What’s next?
My next plan is starting in my new job because it’s a really good opportunity to grow up in my career and I have more time available for spend with my family. I really love spend time with my family. It’s a big change in my life but it’s a good change.
LAUREN
What do you like about tutoring with Literacy Network?
I’m a big language nerd, so I thought tutoring English was going to be a really good opportunity for me. I personally don’t have a teaching background but I’m very familiar with English, so I’m able to combine that with all the amazing lesson plans that they build. I get to learn so much from students too. They’ll tell me so much about their culture, different fun stories. We have really cool language discussions.
How has tutoring with Literacy Network impacted your life?
I feel so much more involved and connected with my community here. I get to meet so many amazing students. I get to see their growth. Being more involved in your community makes us a better, more connected community and I think that’s really what the world and this country particularly needs right now.