Community Connection Through ESL Learning Class

Reported by Audrey Grice

Photographed by Luci Lettau

My friend Jocelyn and I stood nervously in front of an elementary school music room as six adult learners stared back at us from where they sat at foldable tables. Neither of us had ever taught English before, yet here we were, armed with printed handouts and whispered prayers, about to spend ninety minutes teaching these students the basics of the English language. 

Taking a deep breath, Jocelyn wrote her name on the whiteboard behind us and introduced herself. I did the same, trying to appear confident. Our students looked at us without comprehension, and I started inwardly panicking.

After a moment, Jocelyn signaled for them to stand up and introduce themselves. Suddenly, the room filled with the chatter of voices, and my trepidation was replaced with warmth as I heard each “Hi, my name is…” and “Nice to meet you.” A love for these people and a desire to walk with them on their English language journey took root in my heart.

We broke into groups, and I sat with two incredible women, helping them complete the worksheet. Together, we sounded out words, identified numbers, and memorized classroom verbs. We laughed at our mistakes and celebrated their successes. These women likely had full-time jobs and families at home, yet they sacrificed their valuable time to be here, learning English. I left that first class not with the crushing nervousness I had walking in, but with overwhelming joy at the opportunity to build relationships with them.

The English Language Learning Community Class enabled me to connect with the Newberg community. I have interacted with and supported people who face challenges different from me, and I have built relationships I never would have otherwise. While learning valuable lessons about teaching English, I am also learning what it means to be a servant leader.

Jesus says in Matthew 25:40 (CSB), “‘...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” By offering even a small portion of my time to these students, I can embody Christ’s love in the Newberg community.