Language truly opens doors for everyone; it is one of the first thing we learn as children and it develops with us. Moving to a new home where you don’t have a strong grasp of the language is one of the most difficult things a person can have to go through. To know what you want to say but not how to communicate it to another person can cause anxiety and frustration. Learning the new language gives one back their confidence and the ability to take control of their own life. Take this testimonial from Seo-Hui:
“One day in October, the sky resembled blue topaz and I came to America for the first time in my life. That moment seems like a few days ago, but half a year has already passed. At Dulles International Airport immigration, I answered only five sentences. It can be called only five words “How are you”, “Yes”, “No”, “Thank you”, “Goodbye”. Everyone in Korea would agree that Koreans know that it is difficult to study grammar-oriented English, but unless I give a short answer, I have a lot of trouble in my head. This is what I said the most in America for months: “I’m sorry. I don’t speak English well”. However, since February, I started studying English twice a week [with LCNV] at the Korean Community Service Center English Class.
I have more English Skills and more confidence. I go to school by bus. I also go to my house by bus. Now I greet the bus driver I meet most often. When I hurt my arm a while ago and went to the hospital, I could simply tell the docotr why i was hurt. Of course, I still avoid long conversations but in the future, I believe that my American life will be getting better and my English will grow even more.
Someday, I will go to a stranger and ask a question.
The cherry blossoms bloom beautifully on the roadside in the spring in April. I wish I had a beautiful day like cherry blossoms every day.
Like an actress ambassador in my favorite movie: “After all, tomorrow is another day” (Scarlet O’Hara “Gone with the Wind”).”
Her story is one of many that we see every day and there is no shortage of new learners that need the same attention. If you have it in your budget, please think about donating to our organization, or volunteer with us so we can continue to change lives for the better.