DONATE TODAY! UP TO $5,000 WILL BE MATCHED FOR GIVING TUESDAY
Blog → November 3, 2023

Connected Communities: Creating Meaningful Connections through Teaching English

Adrianne Coleman
Adrianne Coleman, ESOL teacher

During our World Refugee World event, we were able to interview Adrianne Coleman, a volunteer who works with English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Adrianne’s journey to help others started in 5th grade, when a young boy from Iran was in her class. This boy didn’t speak a single word of English, and Adrianne saw how difficult it was for him to integrate into the classroom. Adrianne felt that she could help him, and others like him.

In college, she taught English to immigrants from Vietnam, and is currently an ESOL teacher for Catholic Charities. At times, her volunteer journey was slow, as she would reach out to volunteer organizations and wouldn’t hear back. Sometimes it’s hard to find the right fit with the right organization, she points out, but encourages others not to give up.

“One of the most gratifying things about teaching is becoming friends with the people I am teaching. I have students from Ukraine, from Afghanistan, and from South America. We develop a friendship. It’s been really, really sweet.”

Teaching ESOL has not only benefited her students, but has given Adrianne a new community as well.

Adrianne also points out that a person doesn’t have to make a grand gesture to get involved, that even small and simple things make a big difference. She quoted Miep Gies, who helped hide Ann Frank during the war. “I don’t like being called a hero because no one should ever think you have to be special to help others. I am afraid that if people feel that I am a very special person, a sort of heroine, they may doubt whether they will do the same I once did. But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light in a dark room.”

It doesn’t take a special person to build connected communities, it just takes people caring about others and filling the needs that they see.

Watch Adrianne's full interview:

World Refugee Day 2023 Event

Get more information about volunteering with Catholic Charities:

Catholic Charities
Other Posts

Official Statement on U.S. Election Outcome

Here at Their Story Is Our Story, we know that the United States of America is stronger because of those who were forced to leave their homes and start anew with us. They bring vitality, determination, fortitude, and are essential to our economy, our culture, our communities, and our country. We are, and will continue to be, #betterwithrefugees.

November 6, 2024

Refugee Doctors Advocate for Legislative Change

The inspiring journey of refugee doctors advocating for legislative changes to ease their path back into medical practice in the U.S. Discover how their efforts led to the unanimous passing of House Bill 995 in Virginia, offering a temporary licensure pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

October 21, 2024

Voices of Resilience: 3 Afghani Refugees Use Their Professions to Make a Better World

This month marks the three year anniversary of the fall of Kabul. When the city fell, many were forced to flee their homes. Women who had careers, women who dreamed of careers, and women who lifted their voices to fight for equal rights were some of those most at risk. To America’s great benefit, some of these women landed in the US.

August 14, 2024
Add Impact to Your Inbox
Sign up for our emails to get inspiring stories and updates delivered straight to you.
Subscribe
© 2024 Their Story is Our Story Privacy Policy
Their Story is Our Story is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization under the United States Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible. Our tax identification number is 812983626.