volunteer profile - Jane

Why I like volunteering with ESL learners?

I started volunteering with the Calgary Public Library’s Conversation Club about 4 years ago. At that time it was all about me. I thought I might like to teach ESL when I retire, maybe even travel and teach English. By volunteering now, I would be able to determine if this was something I want to do in my retirement.

Today, I volunteer with the 55+ Everyday English Tutorial Program at Bow Valley College.

I started teaching ESL for me. Now, I stay for the amazing students in my class. I marvel at these mature learners who have moved to a new country and are learning a new language when many of us would think we were too old. I find my class extremely inspirational and always leave my class knowing I am the one who is learning so much.

These beginner students for the most part can read English. My goal is to help them be more confident in communicating in English on a daily basis. I like to hope that I am having a positive impact on their quality of life in Canada. I know they have a positive impact on mine.