In Honors College at Hampton University, Dr. Davy would
usually put students and alumni on the spot during an event, workshop or
ceremony and ask, “What’s the Good News?” and you better be prepared to answer.
In that spirit I wanted to share some good news you.
Last week I taught my first English as a Second Language
(ESL) class at a local community college. The opportunity presented itself the day
before I was to teach the class when I received a phone call from the
Coordinator of the Corporate and Business Training Department asking if I was
available to teach the very next day. I quickly thought about how I could
rearrange my schedule and accepted the class. At that point I was only
obligated to teach the one ESL class with a possibility of it being extended to
last the entire semester based on enrollment. Due to the high enrollment and
student attendance for the first day of class I was extended the offer to teach
for the entire semester. I am officially
teaching my first ESL class. What a blessing! And to think I called the
Coordinator of the department because of a question that I had regarding
another one day training class that I will be teaching in a different subject
area in a week yet another opportunity availed. God is good!
I have always loved teaching and helping others to learn and
accomplish the goals set before them so when I was contacted 2 weeks ago to
interview to become an instructor of the Corporate and Business Training
Department at a local community college I jumped at the opportunity. I knew
this would be a great way for me to get my foot in the door to Higher Education
and earn valuable experience while doing something that I love, which is
sharing my knowledge with others. Although I have taken many language classes
and have tutored students in both the English and Spanish Language, I have
never taught an ESL class before but I was up to the challenge.
Teaching my first ESL class with less than a day to prepare
was a thrill. I had no time to be nervous so that worked in my favor. I prayed,
prepared my lesson, and went into the class with confidence. My students warmed
up to me quickly and were receptive and actively participated in the class. It
was an honor to teach so many different ages. Some of my students are a few
years younger than me while some are old enough to be my grandparents. It was a
great first class. One of my students came up to me after class and thanked me
for teaching such a good class. During the interview to become an instructor I
was asked how I measure success as a teacher, and that is one way I measure
success, when my students feel that they have learned something, enjoyed the
class, and look forward to returning to learn more. I look forward to helping
my students improve their English through out the semester.
Thanks for reading my good news! I look forward to sharing
more good news in the near future.
Hasta el proximo vez,
KoMiSa
