Teacher, student to walk together for Literacy DuPage
Through her volunteer work, Lisa Lam of Naperville has found a common motivation among those she helps, evident in her own family as well as in her husband's.
The drive to create a better life.
Lam tutors immigrants, helping them learn to read, write and speak English though the programs of Literacy DuPage. She knows that without language skills, it's nearly impossible for her students to find the opportunities they hope for in the United States.
Literacy DuPage, a local chapter of Literacy Volunteers of America, offers extensive training for tutors who are then paired with adults who want to improve their English proficiency. Most students are learning English as a second language, but Literacy DuPage also offers tutoring for native English speakers looking to strengthen their reading and writing ability.
On Sunday, April 21, Lam plans to walk in The Human Race, dedicating her participation to Literacy DuPage. She'll walk side-by-side with her current student, adding to the experiences they've shared.
Today, Lam tells us more about her dedication to Literacy DuPage.
Q. Who or what inspires you to participate?
A. The memory of my mother inspired me to be part of Literacy DuPage. Growing up with many Hungarians who immigrated to this country during the early part of the 20th century, I recall my mother helping them learn English.
Today, I am inspired to run in the race for the students in our program. I am amazed at their dedication to learn English. Many of them have full-time jobs and young families, but they still manage to make time.
I tutor my students in English; in return they share their life experiences with me, many of which are truly inspirational. My current student and I are walking together in The Human Race to raise awareness for others who need help.
Q. How did you get involved with Literacy DuPage?
A. I first learned about Literacy DuPage when I was in high school. I was part of a group of talented students and we completed the training in tutoring English. Since Literacy DuPage is a chapter of Literacy Volunteers of America, it was only natural that I joined the organization once I had moved with my family to Naperville.
Q. What is your personal experience with Literacy DuPage?
A. I have had several roles with Literacy DuPage: part-time worker, volunteer, and tutor for the past six years. During that time, I have made many wonderful friendships at Literacy DuPage, especially with the staff and the students I have tutored.
Q. What might surprise people about Literacy DuPage?
A. Literacy DuPage not only offers tutoring in English as a second language, but also offers adult tutoring in Adult Basic Literacy, which is designed to help native English speakers who have not learned how to read or write. Literacy DuPage is dedicated to teach English to any one who is willing to learn, free.
Q. What have you learned about yourself and others through your connection to the organization?
A. I have learned that in America we are all connected by a common narrative. For most of us, either we come to this country as immigrants, as my spouse did, or we are born to an immigrant family, such as me. We came to this country looking for better lives and opportunities for our children and ourselves.
Q. What support do you receive from Literacy DuPage?
A. Tutoring English to adult learners has its unique challenges. Literacy DuPage provides comprehensive training for new tutor volunteers. The total training takes 18 hours with two evening sessions per week, and training sessions start throughout the year.
Literacy DuPage also offers quarterly workshops on a variety of topics that pertain to literacy and cultural diversity.
Q. Have you ever done a run/walk before and, if so, what was the experience like?
A. This is my first time walking in The Human Race. However, I have walked for other charity causes, such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. At every walk I am a part of, I am always amazed at how many people are dedicated to their causes and how much people are willing to give of themselves.
Q. What would you tell someone who is interested in participating but might be the slightest bit hesitant?
A. No worries; come out and join us! We're going to have a wonderful morning full of fun and friendship, all for great causes.
Q. How can readers donate to your fundraising efforts?
A. Readers can support our “Laps for Literacy” Human Race team by donating at: active.com/donate/dupagehumanrace/literacydupage or, they can visit the Literacy DuPage website at literacydupage.org and click on the Donate button, or sign up for an upcoming volunteer tutor training.