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Some want to learn about the cultural
norms and laws of America. One of
Darlene Hiller’s students wanted the sessions
to mimic a patient-doctor conversation,
for practice in the medical fi eld.
Some, of course, just want to chat.
Martin said that he discourages the
coaches from talking about themselves
too much. Instead, he suggests asking
the students lots of questions.
“It puts them on the spot, but they
like that,” he said. “Some even say, ‘I
want a tough teacher.’”
Martin has seen the program fl ourish
particularly with retired volunteers.
Some of the most committed volunteers
are those who have the free time to work
consistently with the same students,
Martin said.
“They get into it,” he said. “One guy
comes in here and does fi ve sessions.
Another commits an entire day.”
Loretta Shively is another long-time
volunteer, who has now committed more
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than a year and a half to the program. The
two students she has worked with have
both been South Korean — the fi rst a law
professor and the second a UF graduate.
“You think you’re just in it to help
them, but what I have found is that by giving
my service, I have met two of the most
wonderful people. I’ve met their families.
We’ve become close,” Shively said.
Although some would expect challenges
teaching a foreign language,
Shively has not found that to be the case.
If anything, she said that it feels like she
is chatting with a friend. Shively’s partner
was very timid when the sessions
began, she said, “but it’s amazing how
her self-confi dence has raised.”
“We now have a free-fl owing conversation,”
she said.
For Shively, the fulfi llment of giving
back has made the process as rewarding
for her as for her students — if not more.
Shively even encouraged one of her
bridge buddies to become a volunteer.
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“To whom much is given, much is
expected,” she said. “It’s very necessary
to give back to the community.”
Darlene Hiller said she hopes to see
the program expand but knows more volunteers
need to come forward for that to
happen. Even now, the program’s success
in bringing interested students to the library
has caused a shortage of volunteers.
For now, Hiller said she is happy
meeting with only one student. She has
learned about life back in China — what
her partner eats, what her family is like,
how life is different.
She has shared some of herself, as well.
When Hiller’s elderly father had health
problems awhile back, the hour-long conversations
provided advice and support.
“I feel like I have gained a
friendship.” s
For more information about this program
at Tower Road Branch library, contact Al
Martin: 352-333-2840. amartin@aclib.us
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32 February 2013 seniortimesmagazine.com