4 2 T H E T U S C A R O R A R E V I E W 2 0 2 2 As we spoke about languages, I reflected on how language is born in deeply rooted cultures. This fact prompted me to ask Michelle if having a deeper understanding of cultures along with the languages themselves is vital for helping the students. “It is vital, but I don’t think people need to learn in depth about multiple cultures because that’s very difficult,” she said. “I think what people need to learn, the way people’s attitudes need to open up, is just to understand that culture influences how people think and act. We need to be open—this is a difference, it’s not a nuisance. We need to be careful about how we react to things that make us feel uncomfortable. I think having exposure to other people’s cultures, experiences that open you up to other cultures, and put you out of your comfort zone in a different setting is valuable. If people are open to that I think it’s probably one of the best ways to learn to interact with people from other cultures.” The ESOL program is unique, with incredible diversity in its ranks. I asked Michelle how she supported a student body with such a wide array of languages, cultures and people. I also asked if she found the program to be standardized or individualized. “In some ways it is a little bit individualized because we kind of do what we need to do,” Michelle explained. “What we find is that sometimes the person who speaks a rarer language is the one who needs the most support just because they don’t speak any English whereas a lot of times with other students you can get by with some English. We also have bilingual and multilingual staff, although we certainly don’t cover the widest array, that changes depending on current staffing.” Additionally, Michelle mentioned the translation tool of Language Line (or something similar) and remarked that she would like to see all student support services equipped with something like it, adding that “The most student-friendly approach for nonnative speakers is that they should be able to speak in their first language.” The students in this program have the world stacked against them at times, from the struggles of everyday life to earning certifications or degrees, all while facing language barriers. Michelle firmly believes that “these are some of the most tenacious, motivated students.” But she sympathizes strongly with the amount of challenging barriers that these students face. As someone who has seen these struggles first hand, I asked Michelle next how she addresses some of the barriers her students face.
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