When I came here, I thought my students’ primary motivation was to learn English in order to integrate it into their new community. In some cases, that is indeed the situation. For many of my students, however, it is even simpler: some want English to improve job opportunities.
Many of the women come to our English center because it is their only opportunity to leave the house, and some of the male students have told us that they come because it is the only place they feel peace. Then there are those that come simply for the sense of belonging.
We give each student a laminated card with their name, picture, and student ID number that shows they are enrolled in the English program. This helps our volunteers to know who they are as they escort them into the building. To some students, it means much more.
For many Syrians, all sense of belonging was stripped away from them right along with childhood homes and dreams for their future. What to us is a practical card to facilitate flow through the building, is to them a laminated statement of identity.
Whatever my students’ motivation, I am so grateful they continue to come to the center. It may be challenging to visit students, but it is absolutely worth it. I am eager to see what the future has in store for this friendship! I am so inspired by these students. Rather than sit around and wait for circumstances to change, they seize every opportunity they can find to improve their minds. Though they face many obstacles culturally, politically, and circumstantially, it hardly seems to phase them. I can’t wait to get to know them more.
—Jordie
