My Work in the Lab of English for Speakers of Other Languages
Posted: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
by Ken McCreless
RMS1437
Greetings Fellow Travelers ...
It was an especially difficult time in my life. Recently divorced with 4 children to take care of, no car, a hurt back, and making my way around using a cane, a back brace and a city bus.
I had made the decision to go to school and get trained to be a Respiratory Therapist. It meant being on the public dole for a while but, the only position I could do would have meant being on assistance for much, much longer.
I applied for as many grants as I could but wound up getting just one, for $250. It helped. Then I found out about a program at the college where I could work part time, and my schedule would be set around my classes.
I had never heard of the English for Speakers of Other Languages course before. Folks here in the U.S. From other countries could take E.S.O.L and get the help they needed to pass even the most basic English class. These were individuals who were willing to do things legally and proper.
My job was in the ESOL lab. Students would bring me their assignments and essays and I would help them to improve not only their English skills but their reading and writing as well.
People from all over the world came through the lab. While most were from Central and South America, I saw folks from Russia and the Middle East also. It was a challenge at times just to wade through all the different accents!
I remember one student in particular. She came from Central America and had written an essay for her class, and needed me to go over it with her. I would always read the piece first, then sit down with the student to discuss what needed work. It was a rewarding experience, to say the least.
Her essay mentioned how much she "loved the mole," that it was so good she "licked" her fingers. I felt a rush of sadness and sympathy course through my body.
My mind raced. Her family is so poor she's eating rodents- and LOVING it!
It was a few minutes before she was due back for our session so I discussed my distress with a co-worker.
After a nice chuckle she told me that "mole" was pronounced Mo-Lay and was a thick sauce, served over chicken, or sometimes enchiladas, and other dishes. Apparently it is a very popular sauce, available in different flavors, one of which is chocolate!
My student, an English for Speakers of Other Languages star pupil, and I, had a very productive tutoring session, enhanced by my new found relief. I never mentioned my brief but intense misunderstanding.
I know, lots of people eat lots of what I would call "weird" food, octopus and such, and really enjoy it. Even sushi seems a strange food choice to me, (I call it BAIT!). But a mole?
But, it was a wonderful experience. The students were great, and I was honored to help them. They seemed to look at me as if I held some sort of intelligence! But, I love words, and this job, though part time and temporary, gave me a chance to share that love with, literally, the world.
I was encouraged to stay on full time, but chose to move on with my plans to get an Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy. The money is good, and I have job security even in this tough economy, but I often wonder if I made the wrong decision.
Maybe I'll have some mole and consider a career change.
I'll keep you posted.
It was an especially difficult time in my life. Recently divorced with 4 children to take care of, no car, a hurt back, and making my way around using a cane, a back brace and a city bus.
I had made the decision to go to school and get trained to be a Respiratory Therapist. It meant being on the public dole for a while but, the only position I could do would have meant being on assistance for much, much longer.
I had never heard of the English for Speakers of Other Languages course before. Folks here in the U.S. From other countries could take E.S.O.L and get the help they needed to pass even the most basic English class. These were individuals who were willing to do things legally and proper.
My job was in the ESOL lab. Students would bring me their assignments and essays and I would help them to improve not only their English skills but their reading and writing as well.
People from all over the world came through the lab. While most were from Central and South America, I saw folks from Russia and the Middle East also. It was a challenge at times just to wade through all the different accents!
I remember one student in particular. She came from Central America and had written an essay for her class, and needed me to go over it with her. I would always read the piece first, then sit down with the student to discuss what needed work. It was a rewarding experience, to say the least.
Her essay mentioned how much she "loved the mole," that it was so good she "licked" her fingers. I felt a rush of sadness and sympathy course through my body.
My mind raced. Her family is so poor she's eating rodents- and LOVING it!
It was a few minutes before she was due back for our session so I discussed my distress with a co-worker.
After a nice chuckle she told me that "mole" was pronounced Mo-Lay and was a thick sauce, served over chicken, or sometimes enchiladas, and other dishes. Apparently it is a very popular sauce, available in different flavors, one of which is chocolate!
My student, an English for Speakers of Other Languages star pupil, and I, had a very productive tutoring session, enhanced by my new found relief. I never mentioned my brief but intense misunderstanding.
I know, lots of people eat lots of what I would call "weird" food, octopus and such, and really enjoy it. Even sushi seems a strange food choice to me, (I call it BAIT!). But a mole?
But, it was a wonderful experience. The students were great, and I was honored to help them. They seemed to look at me as if I held some sort of intelligence! But, I love words, and this job, though part time and temporary, gave me a chance to share that love with, literally, the world.
I was encouraged to stay on full time, but chose to move on with my plans to get an Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy. The money is good, and I have job security even in this tough economy, but I often wonder if I made the wrong decision.
Maybe I'll have some mole and consider a career change.
I'll keep you posted.
Ken McCreless is just a guy who loves to write, and was born to do so. He is a freelance writer with several projects ongoing, including books and magazines. A huge fan of both irony and history, Ken has dedicated his life and his writing to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
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More commentsFirstly, don't knock eating mole. With a little garlic, red pepper and a red wine it's outstanding--just kiddin--what a nice change of pace article--loved it.Sounds good, Steve, but what do you do with the pelt?Thanks for reading and commenting!
Well Ken, it was entertaining to me. Do not worry, with Searchwarp at your back, Mole will not have a chance...smile... Love it.Thank you so much, Rev. (The mole fajitas are probably awesome, though!)
Excellent, Ken! Thanks for sharing your...uh...experience with us! So, did you ever try the mole? (mo-LAY)Thank you, Lorrie!No, I have not yet tried the "mole." There's some kind of mental block in place!
Hi Ken.You did a noble deed by teaching English to those who are interested in learning the English language, I applaud you! I came from a country where English is used as the medium of instruction in schools (Kindergarten to College) however, when I came to the U.S. I found that I could speak and write in English but my accent was a little bit off! but I eventually learned. Ken, thanks for sharing this well written article. Wishing you the best in achieving your goal to become a Respiratory Therapist.Best regards,NenitaThank you so much, Nenita.I actually reached the goal of becoming a Respiratory Therapist about 14 years ago and now I am reaching for another. It was a great ride, but I'm tired of it.I want to be involved in the world of words, instead of blood, death and gore.
How did you end up with ALL the kids?!youre a brave soul and i shall pray for your success and deliverance from hardship(eating moles is no easy task;theyre hard to catch and it takes many to make a sandwich as each is tiny as half a pinky)If you knew their mother you would understand.A sandwich is a luxury in the world of mole eating. A stew might be a better option.Thanx for stopping by!
Heheheh, great article... I'd have assumed she was referring to our underground friends as well, but now I've learned the truth from your article I quite fancy trying some chocolate mole :)That does sound good, doesn't it? Everyone that I know that has tried it has developed a religious attachment.Thank you, FM Morrish!
Ken,What a hoot, especially the 'sushi...I call it bait!' But I got the mole, right off the bat. Loved this read, many thanks and I appreciate hearing how you got to where you are.NancyThank you so much, Nancy. It's one of those "too weird to be made up" stories!
The whole 'mole' thing was very funny Ken. But what really struck me about your article was the personal information you shared regarding your divorce and back injury, caring for four children, and going back to school. Remarkable! What an example for those reading who are being hit by layoffs and struggling to get by. You've given them hope! Well done! (and funny too) :)Thank you so much, Brianna.I did what I had to do, though. No more, no less.
You did a great job overall! The imagery is fantastic and your sentiments about what your learned come through nicely. Congratulations on being open to new experiences and on giving the students at the lab 100%. Best of luck on your career path, as always!Thank you, Lesa.I do love to write!
Your character is valuable. The way you did not mind sharing the teaching of English...To those that wanted to learn. I find when one wants to be taught something that I know, I never feel weary. Those learning are my payments.It is its own reward, is it not?Thank you, Rev. I really appreciate the support.
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