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| DL Teacher Nancy |
Nancy is one of our DL teachers who finds great pleasure not only in teaching English but also in volunteering to help her community with her English skills.
Going back 30 years, Nancy remembers how difficult it was for her to settle in Australia as an adult migrant. Even though she was an English lecturer in a university in China, it was still hard to find a job here. Nancy had to go back to full-time study and after completing her Diploma in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), she landed her first job as a teacher on the AMEP program.
Twenty years later Nancy is still doing what she loves best, teaching English in the same program. Most of her students are from a Chinese background with low level English. She is passionate about helping elderly Chinese students in particular as she understands how challenging it is for them to settle in a new country. She makes learning English easy for them and takes pride in their progress.
Nancy did not go out looking for volunteer work but because of her English skills, her friendly personality and her passion to help people, volunteering seemed to find her.
It all started when Nancy joined a Tai Chi class in her community where the local council organises free classes for the increasing Chinese population in the Northern Sydney area.
Being the helpful person that she is, she was always happy to translate and interpret small messages between the organisers and the Chinese people in her classes. This led to Nancy playing a key volunteer role liaising between council staff and the Chinese community. She uses her time and bilingual skills to help the council communicate class timetables, venues, enrolments and housekeeping instructions to the Chinese community and she translates letters and flyers.
Through these community classes Nancy not only learnt Tai Chi, enjoyed her sketching classes and made friends, but she also had the the chance to give back . She says "Volunteering makes me feel good about helping others".
Research shows that volunteers live happier and healthier lives. No wonder the motto for National Volunteer Week is "Give Happy, Live Happy".
- Have you ever volunteered? What did you do?
- What are the benefits of volunteering for new migrants in Australia?
- What kind of volunteer work is available and how can you find it in your area? Check out this website: Volunteering Australia
Why not share your volunteering experience here and inspire other students!
Love this story. Good on you, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Nancy. Yes volunteering does help us feel good about helping others and gives a balance to life. When my children were young I volunteered as a manager for my son's soccer team, my daughter's netball team and when they were very little as the playgroup coordinator. By joining in these groups I made some great friends and learnt some leadership skills too.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy, what a rewarding thing to do. I can imagine what a difference you are making in these people's lives, especially for the elderly people. Your story is so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI admire those people who spend their time and share their knowledge and skills to help others. It's so nice that there are volunteers. I always try to help my friends and my family, but it's not so big. But a few years ago, when I was engaged in diving, my friends and I volunteered to clean up some lakes.
ReplyDeleteHi Mariia, thanks for sharing your thoughts. We often forget that helping family and friends, although not an official role, is very valuable and meaningful. Cooking a meal for a sick cousin or minding my friend's child when she has an important appointment are examples of how we can make a difference through unpaid work. The community work you did for the environment is also great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy, You're inspiration to others. One day, I want to help other people like you are helping them .
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