ELL Match: Ana and Rusty

Ana and Rusty meet over Zoom. Ana is currently visiting her home country, Brazil, but she and Rusty still meet weekly!

Learn more about how English Language Learner, Ana, and her tutor, Rusty, found NALC and about their experience working together!

What brought you to NALC?

Rusty: One of my running partners told me about volunteering with NALC before COVID and how much she liked it. When I retired I had more time. I had dinner with a friend of the NALC’s CEO, Kim, who encouraged me to get involved.  

Ana: When I move to the U.S. a few years ago and got my green card, I went to the library and I asked someone if he could teach me English because he was teaching someone in person. He told me about NALC. I texted NALC and, at first, they told me they didn't have anybody to work with, but I called again and there were tutors!  

What has your experience been like? 

Rusty: It's so much easier than I thought it was going to be! Ana's level of English makes it easy. I used to live in Brazil and there are so many things we can talk about. It’s been a great experience because we have that connection.  

Ana: I think I got lucky having a tutor like Rusty. He knows Brazil and we talk a lot about my country, politics, food, music. That was my goal. Having conversation is the best way for me to improve my English and I feel like it's working. I'm really happy and I'm grateful to have met my tutor!