Many people are unaware of the struggles related to learning a new language, English Language Development commissioner, senior Thien-Mai Vu said. The ELD program aims to combat language-related challenges by connecting international students with mentors, Vu said.
“We have something called an ambassadors program, where we have fluent English speakers helping ELD students who are passionate about learning English,” Vu said. “We try to make ELD students feel more included and more involved because there’s a low participation rate when it comes to school events with ELD students.”
Every Friday during tutorial, mentors work with students to teach them new words and work out questions together. Through the program, many students have improved their English and graduated to the next ELD level, Vu said.
“I’ve seen a lot more kids become more passionate about [learning],” Vu said. “They become even more social, and they’re more involved in school events which is always one of our goals.”
ELD commissioner, junior Kenzie Murray said she is grateful for the program, as learning a new language is a difficult task made easier by mentorship pairings.
“The mentee and mentor relationship really begins to grow as we go on, and I feel like everybody is happy to come to the meetings,” Murray said. “It’s nice to see ELD students grow into a higher level and grow with other people.”
Both the mentors and ELD students gain valuable exposure to new cultures through the program, ELD co-coordinator Wilma Wu said.
“It’s a good opportunity for both [sides], and the mentors that are here just want to learn about another culture, ” Wu said.
As a former ELD student herself, Vu said it is really hard being in a new setting and feeling completely isolated. However, through the ELD program students can find a community they can learn with, Vu said.
“People should care [about ELD] because at the end of the day, kindness is what’s important,” Vu said. “I feel that when you’re giving someone the opportunity to learn and you help support them, that’s rewarding for yourself as well.”
