The class discussion today centered around the Annie Dillard excerpt from her autobiography, An American Childhood, in which throughout the entire piece Dillard draws from specific instances in her childhood that made a significant impact on her life. However, Dillard never mentions any memories from school, a period of one's life that seems to occupy the most time. The class found this rather unusual because the time we all spent in school and spend in school continues to take up a significant portion in all of our lives.
Today, I met with Marisol, who, like Dillard, would not include memories from school in her autobiography, but for a very different reason. Marisol was not able to attend school like we do everyday. When we met up today, she was very eager and willing to learn. She said that she wanted to work on reading and writing because that was the portion of her citizenship exam that gave her the most trouble. She did not pass the first time she took it because of her difficulties with reading and writing. She has passed since then, but is eager to become more efficient.
I was not sure how to begin, but I suppose we all learn by going where we have to go. So, I began at the very beginning, and we practiced saying and writing the alphabet in upper and lower case. We practiced writing basic sentences so that she could learn the letters and the sounds they make, and also, so that I could learn about her and what she likes to do. She is very busy supporting her four children because she is a single mother. Her persistence and desire to learn is truly incredible because I know that she must have many other commitments and worries that cloud her mind. However, she choices to make time to practice her reading and writing. I wish I could harness her eagerness and thirst for knowledge. I lack that zeal for learning often and realized today that I take advantage of the opportunities that I have to learn. I am so blessed, and it is humbly to share that blessing with another individual.
Next week we are going to practice writing more sentences and reading them out loud. She is bringing in some pieces from her citizenship exam that gave her trouble so that she practice and work on it. She already seems like the type of person who not settle for less than her best, but rather, she strives to achieve success.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
When I first met with with person I am helping, like you, I realized how blessed we are. It makes me realize that we all need to make the most of our privileges. As you saw, the people we are working with are enthusiastic and eager to learn. It warms my heart knowing that we are making a difference in those people's lives.
Hi Abby,
Thanks for the great response to your first meeting. I know it's not easy bridging the great cultural and linguistic gaps, but I do really appreciate your effort. Thanks. I will help in any way that I can. But it sounds like your plunging ahead, going where you have to go, had led to a good start. And yes, we certainly are blessed with our educational advantages. Dan W.
Hey Abby!
I'm glad you meeting with her went so well. Marisol and i didnt discuss her citizenship exam. But i'm glad to know about it- ill have to meet up with you in class & see what all i can possible help her with it- and also make sure i'm not doing the exact same things you are with her.
Hi Abby!
I like your introduction pretty much. That's a good one about how you link class lesson and your first meeting. It looks like your first meeting was going well. Hope that next time it will be even better!
Post a Comment