January '09
Jason is a quiet, introverted teenager and has been in the US only for a short period of time. When his case was initially transferred to me, Jason was really shy and needed a while to get a word out his mouth; his father would always say…”he does not have any motivation; he is only into games and will not listen to anybody when it comes to learning English…” I noticed that Jason was a smart young man from the very first time I met him. I envisioned him as an intelligent teenager who would benefit even more from a bilingual who spoke Spanish since he would feel frustrated when somebody spoke to him in English and he could not understand.
We have gotten together for tutoring and Jason has been really motivated. I have shown him many different web pages on the internet and taught him how to use them. Jason has been exposed to a new way of learning English. He has begun to be interested in outdoor activities held by the RYFP and has shown interest in participating.
To my surprise last meeting, Jason ran to the gate and opened it for me. He looked so happy to see his tutor that I really felt more inspired to get this client to improve his English and get more acculturated into our society. Jason started smiling while walking with me to his apartment and told me: “You know what?...I have been working so hard on the web page you showed me the last time we met and I have practiced a lot while I am at home…I have completed almost all the quizzes and also practiced vocabulary…” Listening to Jason’s excitement on learning English felt like a kid with a new toy in his hand.
Understanding beyond tutoring has to be another skill for a Youth Family Specialist. It can be easy to not listen to what the real issue is all about. The learning process is a psychological, societal, humane, tactful, smart and bilateral process. Getting involved in our clients frustrations and concerns can be a blessing for their lives.
- Alberto Garcia Manso
