Meet Susan,
ESL Volunteer!

Susan came to The Connection in 2016 after looking for volunteer opportunities to teach. The Connection’s ESL programs came up in her search, and she followed the link to an experience she hadn’t considered before. She was invited to observe a few classes and within 2 weeks, was enthusiastically leading with a group of students. These students worked with cards and books to improve conversation, but were eager for homework, for challenges, and to improve. And so was Susan. Two years later–and her TESOL Certificate from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College nearly complete–she’s taken every opportunity to learn and expand her skill set, which she’s graciously still utilizing on behalf of The Connection! “Teaching ESL has helped me realize that language is integral to identity and a sense of belonging. My hope in teaching ESL is to help students gain the confidence to engage in a new culture and be full participants in their lives in the United States.”