En español >>

By Wes Bunch

In Bernie Rodriguez’s English for Speakers of Other Languages class, students know the ESOL program is their ticket to a better life in the United States.

“They have to have a purpose,” Rodriguez said. “To work toward a GED [General Educational Development test], to find employment, to upgrade their skills.”

Although most attending are from Mexico, the class is a virtual melting pot of cultures, with students from Africa, Europe, Asia and several Latin American countries. Students like Rafael Garcia, a native of Mexico now living in Erwin, said the class is the most important step toward achieving goals he set when he moved to the U.S.

Garcia said many people have the wrong idea about why immigrants move here. To Garcia, many come wanting to make a positive impact on this nation.

“For me, coming to these language classes is important because I want to communicate better with the people,” he said.

Research shows Garcia is not alone. A study by the National Academy of Sciences states that within 10 years of arriving in America, more than 75 percent of all immigrants learn to speak English well and only 3 percent of long-term immigrants are unable to speak English well.

According to a study by the Pew Hispanic Center, 57 percent of Latino immigrants believe that they must learn English to be considered part of American society.

For immigrants in the Tri-Cities who share those sentiments, ESOL classes are the most convenient route to learning the language.
The classes run four days a week at the Keystone Community Center, 603 Bert St. in Johnson City, and are free to all students.
Those enrolled must attend two three-hour sessions a week.
Students spend the first two hours in a classroom setting before working with computer programs for the final hour.

According to Rodriguez, students leave the program when they meet requirements set by the state. The next step for some stu¬dents after the ESOL program is earning a GED. If some students are not ready, Rodriquez said, the city offers reading and writing classes to help them further prepare.

Demands placed on immigrants by jobs or family responsibilities can make it difficult to find time for learning a new language.

“For me it is really hard sometimes,” said the 25-year-old Garcia.

“Right after my job, I need to rest. But I just take a coffee and Red Bull to keep going.

“If you want to do something to improve yourself, or if you want to do something higher, you’ve got to sacrifice yourself sometimes,” he said. “That is why I decide to come here, even if I am sleepy. I’ve got to be here.”

Luisa Lozada, another resident of Erwin, also makes studying a priority, even though she has to provide for her family back home.
“I have six children in Mexico,” Lozada said. “My situation is necessary here because in Mexico it is hard to find a good job to help my family. My husband is passed away; I am my family’s only support.

“It’s necessary to my living in United States, communicating with people,” she added. “In my job, in different situations, I like the English.”