Thanksgiving

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

On this Thanksgiving holiday I'm reflecting on how much I have to be thankful for. This has been an incredibly rewarding year. In this post I want to thank the host of volunteers and supporters of the ESL programs both in Broomfield and Brighton. While you probably know who you are, you likely haven't stopped to think about the impact you have had on many lives.

My husband and I saw the movie "Blind Side" yesterday (the true story about Michael Oher). It made me realize that each person involved in the ESL programs with me are impacting lives just as the character portrayed by Sandra Bullock in this movie. And I also realized that what we are doing with ESL (the classes, the materials, the education) are but a side benefit to the real things we are giving: love, respect, acceptance...there's more but I think you get the idea.

The quote above from Maya Angelou really sums it up. Each and every individual giving of their time to make the ESL programs thrive are truly making our students 'feel' more than they 'learn'. They will never forget how special you all (the volunteers and supportes) have made them feel.

I am genuinely thankful to you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

Graduates 2009

Graduation Day 2009!

I am so excited. Today is the graduation ceremony for our first ESL class at Broomfield United Methodist Church! Five students from 4 different countries will receive their certificate of completion this afternoon. And, what they have 'completed' is so much more than the first level of English education. Of course, in raw numbers, they have completed 87 classes representing 174 hours. That alone is impressive. But, there's more. They have completed their first step toward their goals - whatever those may be - that started with learning English as a second language. In class they learned vocabulary and grammar and reading and writing...but, there was more. All of us involved learned about different cultures and countries around the world. And, we learned about some very special people who will be in our hearts and lives for years to come.

This didn't happen without their teachers - Kathy and Sandra and their assistant Russell (not in the picture). In preparation for this event I noted all the additional people who have worked diligently in the background to make this a success: making copies, cuting picture cards, filing...hours of work done by 25 volunteers! Then, there was the unconditional support from the congregation that donated over $2,000 to start this program and the classrooms and supplies necessary to make this work.

But, what we're celebrating today is not an end to this class. Rather, I see a lot of beginnings. The beginnings of friendships, more classes we will offer at the next levels and a citizenship seminar we'll kick off after the first of the year.

While a common interest in English as a language brought us all together, an even more common bond of friendship and love will keep us together for years to come.

I admire these wonderful, brave students and am honored to be a part of their journey.