ELL Match: Cynthia and Raissa

Cynthia and Raissa meet over Zoom.

Learn more about what English Language Learner, Raissa Amah, and her tutor, Cynthia Storrs, think about their experiences with NALC!

Why do you volunteer?

Cynthia: My biggest motivation is having lived overseas and knowing what it was like trying to make your way through a language that isn’t your mother tongue. I have tremendous admiration and empathy for people that come to the United States. I feel; that everybody should be given the opportunity to be all that they can be. Raissa is working hard to do well and I’m thrilled to be able to help her.

What has your experience been like?

Raissa: At NALC I improved my listening, my writing, my reading and just everything. I like working with Cynthia because she is patient and takes the time to explain everything to me before moving on.

Cynthia: It’s been a joy! Every week when we finish I feel like I learn more from Raissa than anything she can learn from me. I come away encouraged and excited about learning. I feel like it’s a much bigger gift to me than whatever it is I’m doing for her.