Full-on Imposter Syndrome during my first week of teaching a year ago.
It’s remarkable that it’s already been a year since I received my ESL training and certification and then embarked on a part-time career of teaching English. I have learned so much, not just about teaching English, but also about myself, and have been gifted with the privilege of getting to know my students. I’d like to focus this first ESL reflections blog on my students.
Concrete & Practical Progress
I’ve seen firsthand some of the signs and benefits of increased language proficiency, even in my short time teaching. It’s heart-warming to see and hear the increased confidence among my previously shy students as they sound out difficult words and increase the speed and rhythm at which they read to the class. I’m also reminded that, as native speakers we take for granted seemingly simple things like my student’s milestone of confidently picking up the phone to set up health care appointments for her children. Other students have learned more practical sets of vocabulary to help them day-to-day in their jobs as medical assistant, day care provider, restaurant, or construction worker, and in housekeeping. Several students have even gotten promotions at work.
Adult Education Day at the 2024 NM Legislature, with 12 of our ESL students in attendance!
Appreciation
One of the most unexpected benefits of becoming an ESL teacher is the inexplicable feeling of engaging in something so rewarding and meaningful. Not a day passes without students having ‘lightbulb’ moments when learning something new, having hearty laughs, or departing class with a cacophony of ‘thank yous’ and ‘see you tomorrow’. As if them verbalizing their appreciation wasn’t enough, I am also gifted with other tokens of appreciation, ranging from small gifts to an array of home-made delicacies. I feel as if I’m at this intercultural culinary nexus in Albuquerque, partaking of authentic, savory Argentinian empanadas, Afghan rice and kabobs, Vietnamese pho and banh mi, Colombian arepas, and a variety of regional Mexican specialties.
An unbelievably delicious and generous Vietnamese New Year feast prepared by our student.
Immigration Status Impacts
Casual conversations at break-times have revealed that our students have a mix of immigration or work permission statuses. For example, some students can actively participate (and even advance) in the workforce, while those who are undocumented are left in a more precarious position, relying entirely on a spouse or creative side gigs in the informal sector. Not only do all my students aspire to be active, contributing members of society through meaningful work, many also have educational goals such as enrolling in community college, university, or trades programs once they are more proficient in English. Although these educational or employment paths will present challenges to my students, for now, we can focus their energies and enthusiasm on gaining a strong foundation in the English language.
The heartfelt appreciation is the best gift of all.
Intercultural Camaraderie
A common refrain I share with friends and family about my ESL work is that it provides me a way to ‘travel without even leaving Albuquerque.’ I’m still amazed when I show up to a classroom where you have such a diverse group of folks sitting side-by-side, and I am especially touched by the camaraderie and bond that develops between them. Despite vast differences in age, nationality, religious and belief systems, socioeconomic status, personalities, and life experiences, they are united by their common goal of learning English. The eight hours of together-time every week inevitably results in students also sharing and revealing a lot about themselves and their personal lives. We can laugh about funny language misunderstandings in their day-to-day outings, we can tear up hearing about the life-altering pain and struggles that others have endured in their home countries, and just about everything else in between. At the end of the day, we can all embrace and appreciate our shared humanity.
ESL 'field trip' to a local restaurant where a couple of our students work.
Resilience and Hope
Although one can easily imagine some of the most obvious challenges my students might face, including discrimination, educational and financial struggles, and acculturation, I’m struck with their resilience, hope, and positive attitudes. Oftentimes, the struggles they face here in the US pale in comparison to conditions back in their home countries. They all are grateful to be here in the US and all express hope for an even brighter future. These experiences and perspectives are a good reminder to me that our ‘first-world problems’ are really just that and we've much to learn and appreciate.
Excerpt from a student letter to her state representative about importance of the ESL program.
Comments