ELL Match: Mitoe and Jan

Mitoe and Jan meet over Zoom every week.

Learn more about what English Language Learner, Mitoe Keck, and her tutor, Jan Shipp, think about their experiences with NALC!

Why do you volunteer?

Jan:  I worked with non-profits all my career and know that they cannot function without volunteer support, and giving back is important to me. I volunteer with NALC because I wanted to help someone who wanted to improve their English and have a better quality of life.

How did you find NALC?

Mitoe:  When I moved to the U.S., I was looking for an English class I could join to learn and improve my English skills. Then one of my really good friends recommended that I take lessons with NALC.

Jan: I have been aware of NALC for decades through my work with the YWCA. After I retired, a friend who has been volunteering as a tutor for many years encouraged me to check it out. The staff were so helpful, training was easy and the match was perfect.

What has your experience been like?

Mitoe: My experience with NALC has been great! My tutor, Jan, has been very supportive and passionate in my progress with English. She has helped me study for the driver's license knowledge test and road test, which I was able to pass.

This has helped me expand, not only my vocabulary, but also my knowledge too. I'm so excited to see how much better my English skills can get! 

Jan: What a treat this volunteer experience has been. Meeting with Mitoe every week has been so much fun. I have learned at least as much from her as she has from me, and I am learning about her native culture, one that I knew little about. She has made much progress in the 6 months we have been working together and that is very motivating and inspiring.