volunteer profile - Pat

I came to Calgary in late 1987 and all my past commitments had been left behind in Ottawa so had my friends. But a year later, at the YWCA (ESL), I found an activity that proved to be really satisfying and rewarding in many ways. I found a community of women (and sometimes men) that has been welcoming, with some of its members becoming my mentors and friends.

For me, the teaching experience has been a two-way street. Though the students have learned from me, I have learned from them. I have learned about their cultures. I have learned about them as individuals, and I have learned to admire them. We have laughed and shared knowledge. In teaching the students I have felt that we were not just teaching. We were affirming the inherent worth and dignity of every one of them.

I would like to say thank-you and express gratitude:

• to Ian and Linda for their patience with my struggles over digital reports;
• to everyone in ESL for their friendliness;
• to my much appreciated mentors/supervisors, Barb, Joan, Loree and Jan.