Literacy Volunteers-HBPL

A staff member from another branch referred me to the HB literacy program. I joined it because I wanted to learn how to read, write and able to have conversation with other people.

I’m able to read a little better, have conversation with other people. I have more confident about myself when speaking to other people and am studying to become a US citizenship. I have also eye contact when speaking.

I will recommend HB Literacy Program to others people because it is the right place to go if you want to improve your English very well and you will not regret it.

 

I have been a tutor for five years, teaching most of the time on a one-to-one basis.

I started speaking English when I was fifteen years old.  It took me at least three years to become fluent and to think in English.  I am motivated to teach by a firm belief that acquiring the ability to speak, read and write English will enable students to become integrated into this society, be it as a parent, a neighbor, an employee, etc.  However, my primary motivation comes from my belief that becoming fluent in English will enable students, eventually, to exercise the right to vote, thus shaping the society that shaped them.

I have been volunteering at the Huntington Beach Library Literacy Program since May 2005. I taught English as a Second Language for five years. I stopped teaching when my twenty five year old daughter was young so I could stay home with her full time.

When my daughter was in High School, I wanted to get back into teaching English to immigrants in some capicity. When I found the Literacy Program at the library, it seemed like a perfect fit.

I have enjoyed my learners very much. I have enjoyed watching their progress and attaining their goals over the years. I always learn a lot from them as well.

Alicia  came to the United States from China two years ago. I started working with her in May 2012. She is a very hard worker.  She has taken several ESL classes at Coastline Community College and has done quite well.  Alicia took an English class at Orange Coast College this summer. The other students in the class were native English speakers. Alicia received a A in the class. I am very proud of her and her progress. I enjoy working with her.

 

I’m from Colombia; I graduated with a registered nurse degree in May, 2012. So when I moved here, my English was not good enough and I took the Adult Literacy program, first to improve my English and then because I decided to advance in my career in the United States.

I want people to know it is very important and helpful, the Adult Literacy program. They help me meet my goals. Whatever dream I have, they prepare me for the “real world.”

I remember my first goal in 2013 was to obtain a library card and check out a book (Human Anatomy). I can’t believe how I felt in this moment, so intimidated, but one of the principal persons behind me was my tutor (Jan). She gave me the confidence to talk with the people and I appreciate that.

One of the things I like about her, she is enthusiastic about teaching me and pays attention to whatever I have to ask. She helps me too with my writing, grammar, speaking, listening, pronunciation and a litany of things.

I have spent almost 1½ years at the Adult Literacy program and these are all my goals I have accomplished:

Obtain a library card

Obtain a driver’s license

Attend Coastline College and Huntington Beach Adult School

Find a part time job at a store, caregiver (child and elderly person)

Open a bank account

Job interviews

Be a volunteer at Huntington Beach Hospital

Obtaining First Aid and CPR/AED certification

Reading history books, important authors of United States and nursing books

Reading newspapers (News for You)

Be a part of physicians from Latin America

Open an account on Craigslist, etc.

I recommend this place because the people working in the Literacy program are very friendly and kind. It’s a very comfortable environment for studying, peaceful and the location is also great because it is close to the gorgeous Central Park.

To be in this program is to be “pleased as punch.”

When I came to the gift shop at the HB Public Library, I met an American lady and she suggested me to join Literacy Program because it help me to improve my broken English. When I studied in the USA, I realized I have had a lot of problems with my pronunciation, listening, speaking … so I joined the HBPL literacy program. With a reason: communicating with American people here so that I can adapt to American life.

I have accomplished many things. Firstly, I earned high scores on TOEFL exam so that I could get a spot at the college. Secondly, I have managed conversations. Thirdly, I have created close relationships with nice American people, especially my teachers and my tutor.

I would recommend the literacy program to others because it is a very, very helpful program for people who desire to improve English and conform to American life.

 

I am thankful for this program because of how much easier it’s made my life now. Before, I would avoid playing board games or reading anything out loud in front of anybody. It’s helped me with my work and answering emails faster.

I love this program and the volunteers who are involved with the literacy program. I especially want to say thank you to Diane for getting me in the program as fast as she did and to Julie for supporting me and give me encouragement and telling me that I have no limits on what I could do. For that I will always be grateful. Thank you.

 

I grew up in the area (I went to Ocean View High School) and was oblivious to the needs of the Oak View community. I saw an announcement in the Sands Magazine looking for volunteers and decided to check it out. I’ve now been a tutor for 11 years. I have enjoyed meeting adults who have a desire to learn and improve their English, despite the difficulties. I am inspired by their determination, enthusiasm, and hard work. I’ve known some of my students for many years and have watched their kids grow up. We’ve gone to the movies, on picnics and to the Angels game. I am thankful for the opportunity to help and for the friendships I have made in this program.

 

My name is Janeth.  I am happy to be in the English class. I want to learn how to read and write good English, and I want to tell that I feel good with this class because the teachers are so good. I like how they teach. I can hear when I am in the class and all the teachers are good.

Frank dictated this story:

When I was growing up I couldn’t read or do math. I could not spell a word. I reversed the letters. They shoved me through school. I wish they knew about dyslexia then. I just sat there.

My wife encouraged me to learn how to read. She found the Literacy Program.

Now I can recognize words. I can break them down. I can find the little words in a big word. Now I can read. Sometimes I can figure out big words but I have a hard time with little words. I was sad I couldn’t read a book to my kids when they were growing up. Now I read to my grand kids. Now I also read about football or the new toll roads or the news on the computer.

 

In 2004 when I moved to Huntington Beach, I started to go to school to learn English.  But I couldn’t continue because of the many required hours.  Then I heard about the literacy program which changed my life.  I have been improving so much. At first I was so afraid to talk. Then I volunteered in my little son’s classroom.  My English was getting better.

I am a seamstress.  Since I’m in this literacy program and my English is always improving, I have been able to work with clients that are non-Spanish speakers.  I also have a job at a costume company where I have to speak English.  Because of this, I am now in charge of the high school band uniforms committee which requires me to interact with English Speakers.