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.