by Shani Bennett, Summer 2 Intern
There are a wide variety of community members who attend
Manna’s English classes each week. They range in age from 7 to 65. Many of the students
realize that English is a tool that can broaden their horizons and open doors
for numerous job opportunities. Attending
several of the English classes has granted me the opportunity to meet some of
the most dedicated individuals I have ever met.
Jimmy attends the level three classes faithfully each week. He
told me he heard about Manna’s English Classes while eating at a local restaurant
and decided to attend. Although Jimmy had taken out a loan to study English at
a local school in Managua, he still wanted to gain more experience before he applied
for a job at the call center. When I met him, we spoke in English for an hour.
He told me he was in the final stages of his interview process at the call
center. Jimmy carried a notebook filled with practice phrases he could use when
conversing with customers. He told me that
he also spent nights rehearsing his English on YouTube. “The internet is a
great tool,” said Jimmy.
Before class ended, Jimmy expressed how happy he was to sit
and talk with me because he didn't get the opportunity to converse with North Americans
often. I smiled and told him I was glad that I was able to help. A few days
later, I received a friend request from Jimmy via Facebook. A message followed
shortly after. Jimmy had gotten the job at the call center! I was so happy for
him. He would now be able to pay off the loan he had taken out to learn English
as well as help support his family financially.
Although Jimmy probably won’t be attending English classes
any more, I am glad that I got a chance to meet him. Jimmy and I live separate lives
but we are both finding ways to better ourselves. Even if that means taking out
loans to study something that we know will benefit us in the end.
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