Hablas Espanol?

Hey all,

For the past few weeks I have been doing service at the Welcome Center, which is a site in North Philly that focuses on teaching English and Citizenship classes to Philadelphians who are working to attain citizenship and are eager to learn a new language. The site offers great placements for SJU volunteers who share an interest in issues concerning immigration or volunteers that simply want to spend time with some great open minded people.

At first I was very nervous to start service at a new site. I have volunteered weekly at soup kitchens, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and schools, but have never had to really teach anything. I have taken multiple courses in Spanish in high school and at SJU, but never really was placed in a situation that required me to speak Spanish in my daily life. I was ignorant to the fact that because I speak English, I automatically have opportunities open to me that would not be possible otherwise. The English classes that the Welcome Center provide for Philadelphians are opening doors for greater opportunities. When I think about this, it is hard not to bring enthusiasm to each visit to the Welcome Center.

This site has also given me the opportunity to put myself in the student role and let the class teach me. In the SJU atmosphere, I often am focussed solely on grades and other things that plague the mind of a College student. Each week I feel privileged to be able to open my mind to the stories and experiences of others through service. I have learned so much from the class in only two weeks of service! Although everyone generally laughs at my meager attempts to speak Spanish to explain myself during class, I am genuinely benefiting from the constant exposure to a language that I have wanted to become proficient speaking. Class has been great so far, I only hope that the class is getting as much from my visits as I am getting from them.

Tom