Voices of Project Literacy - Watertown Free Public Library

Having taught foreign languages in high school for many years, Project Literacy was an easynext step. I felt it was a place to use my skills. But it was so much more. In Project LiteracyI was able to teach highly motivated students who teach me about their own cultures asthey learn English. Since I teach a small conversation class, students share with me and withthe other students their stories, their views, and their hopes for the future. We often becomea support group for one another. I enjoy my role as teacher and mentor. Project Literacyhas allowed me the flexibility to do what I think is best for individual students.I appreciate that Project Literacy is part of my life. It allows me to feel useful. It gives methe opportunity to meet some amazing women.– Barbara Williams, TutorI did not have the opportunity to study English and to learn English was a dream sinceI was a child. I decided to come to U. S but I did not speak any English. When I gothere, I was so disappointed because I could not take the bus, train, go to the store. I feltthat I was lost.When I began to study English everything changed. Now, I can go to anywhere withoutgetting lost. I feel safer than before. To live in U.S. is a new experience in my life. Thethings that I like in U.S. are many beautiful places to visit, clothes and shoes are notexpensive. In the summer, we can make a barbecue at park, and the public transportationwork very well.The first thing that I did in English was I had to speak with my boss. Many communicationsmistake happened with me, but the most humorous was that I and my friends leftfrom English school. We are Christian and I sing at church. I asked a friend if he wasa singer. He said; yes I am. Another friend said Rita he is just 21 year old. And I said:What is the problem, 21 years old is a good age to be a singer. She said: Oh I thoughtthat, you asked him if he was single not a singer.– Rita Aruja (Intermediate 1 Evening Class)19