A Matter of Perspective: Guest Blog Post by Bridget Kromhout

I volunteer one night per week teaching the evening advanced class at the MLC Lake Street Learning Center. Recently, we've been discussing point of view. Some students have been finding this topic challenging; while they may know the mechanics of first person versus third person, translating that into the idea of a narrator speaking from some specific POV seemed too intangible for some.

At our last class before Thanksgiving, the curriculum featured the interactions of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans. A student asked for a clarification of the difference between "to settle" and "to invade". As usual, I tried to elicit definitions from his fellow students before providing my own take on it. Much to my delight, another student began talking about colonialism, and others pointed out the inherent bias in any historical account written by those who might want to justify or obscure the past. Even learners who are often reluctant to participate jumped into this discussion with their opinions.

Students who had been struggling with the idea of viewpoint suddenly had a concrete and relatable reference point. One brought up as an example what he had learned as a schoolchild in Mexico about how Texas became part of the US (which portrayed the US government in a much less flattering light than the version I learned in Minnesota!)

Though we digressed from the planned curriculum, I saw this lesson as a resounding success. It's always a win when the learners share their own insights! A new perspective makes all the difference in helping illuminate a difficult concept.

Thanks, Bridget, for sharing a glimpse into what it's like to be a volunteer! Readers: if you would like to share your stories abd/or reflections on tutoring, please contact Tricia at volunteer@themlc.org.

Guest Blog Post: Dave Burklund at MLC Lake Street

During conversation practice with someone who belonged to the Ethiopian Coptic community I learned that they don't eat turkeys! I don't know why that surprised me and stuck with me, but I enjoyed that personal connection.

And that's why I volunteer - the engagement with my community in ways that I would not normally have access to. I wanted to volunteer at an MLC program in my neighborhood for this reason - my personal ties and investment in my specific locale. Yes, I am working to help non-native speakers learn English, but I am learning too, every session.

Thanks, Dave, for sharing! For readers - if you'd like to be a guest blogger, please contact me at volunteer@themlc.org.