Student Essay: "Reward of the hard work" by Ms. Insook Kim, KWA Lynnwood citizenship class
I would first like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to Korean Women's Association (KWA), Mr. Paek, KWA English Instructor, and God for helping me to become a U.S. Citizen. I also hold great respect for the KWA Citizenship Class program as well as the Naturalization programs geared at individual improvement.On 29 November 2000, I came to this country. I was 73 years old, of course and my husband passed away left me behind. Thus, my eldest son who was living in Seattle invited the "home alone mother" to the States. I am a positive individual who aggressively attacks new challenges and I always had dreams to go abroad extending knowledge. Therefore, I wasn't hesitated leaving the place where I lived over 70 years. My two sons are living in Seattle and the other two living in Korea. Before I came to the States, I was working as Japanese Interpreter for 30 years and these years had been both a valuable and critical time period in the development of my professional capabilities. Living in beautiful Seattle made me to think about becoming a U.S. Citizen. Since I didn't have much things to do as a senior resident, I set "passing the U.S. Citizenship interview" as my first goal. I thought it would be the "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity for me to improve the quality of life. I dedicated all my efforts to pass the Citizenship test. While I was studying, I always looked up the dictionary and tried to memorize the words but I kept forgetting. Studying was not easy for 79 years old grandmother. So I started to make vocabulary note using recycled paper and it added up to over 40 pages. Recently, I can not read small letters anymore. I guess by looking up small letters with dictionary affected my eyesight. Anyway, one day, I heard that Citizenship class was being held by the Korean Women's Association so I registered right away for class attendance. I had to transfer bus twice to go KWA Lynnwood Citizenship Classroom, of course it was not easy being on time when weather doesn't corporate but I have made my every effort to attend the class. To be on time to the 9 O'clock class, I had to leave my home at 7:30 in the morning. I was not looking for a "free ride." I firmly believed that those individuals who seek to improve themselves are given the necessary tools and support to succeed. I understood that whatever rewards I receive would be based solely on the effort and hard work I invest. I always kept my studies in my pray and I realized that my English ability was getting better with Mr. Paek's support. In February 2007, I finally achieved my goal. I became a U.S. Citizen! Wow! It took me 16 months since I attended the KWA Citizenship classes. I was very proud of the goal that I have chosen. I know how difficult it is preparing citizenship interview, but remember, I, 80 years old lady passed English interview. If one man can do, another can do it. Please have dreams! You know about dreams. It is something that makes our life goes on together. I sincerely hope that all of your dreams become a reality. In Sook Kim was born on September 10, 1927 in Seoul, graduated from Duksu Elementary, Baewha girls' high school and Seoul National University majored in piano. Married in 1953, has four sons including William Park, her first son who immigrated to United States in 2000, currently serves at Seattle Garden Church as a Minister, the second and the youngest son are in Seoul, Korea and the third son is also living in Seattle. On 26 October 2007, at the KWA 11th Graduation Ceremony, she gave a touched speech in English on behalf of the 2007 graduates and this 80 years old valedictorian carried the entire audience. Tel: 206-363-3209
Instructor Essay: "My Amazing Students" by Hae Jin Finney, KWA, Naturalization Program Instructor
One of my favorite friends Anna is an ESL instructor in the Olympia area for the Korean Women's Association. Last year Anna encouraged me to apply for an open teaching position for the Naturalization Program in Federal Way. At the time I was dealing with personal health issues as well as having responsibility for my very ill elderly parents. However, Anna's persistence caused me reluctantly to apply for the position. I went through the interview process and was hired. The class I was to teach was for students wanting to take the U.S. citizenship tests in English and met once a week. Each student has different education background and different level of English ability. After a couple of observations with the previous instructor, I started teaching on August 2, 2006. It was going to be a challenge because I had some students who had trouble reading or writing in his or her native language. Some students had just started to learn the English alphabet, and some of them spoke, read and wrote English very well. The average student's age in the class was in their 60's. I was not sure how I would teach a class with so many different ability levels. What I quickly learned was that I had an amazing group of students. It was clearly evident that the students were serious about what they were there for - to obtain his or her U.S. citizenship. Their motivation became my motivation to serve them within the best of my ability. The beginner students previewed, reviewed, and studied very hard the handouts and lesson plan materials that had been prepared for them. This allowed them to catch up to the advanced students before coming to the class. My advanced students helped the beginners and were very patient during class when bringing the beginners up to speed. The students were the key in having a cooperative learning environment. In October last year, one of advanced students in her 80's took the citizen test and passed. She was my first student to pass the test. She was very proud of herself and made me very happy. It also encouraged other elderly students to continue to study. Another student who was in her late 70's had tried three times and passed the test in this past spring. Her English difficulty didn't stop her from meeting her goal of citizenship. She memorized the questions and answers. She reads numerous times the sample questions and answers and wrote them in eight large note books day and night for many months. It was an amazing moment for everyone because we knew how much she struggled with English. The students and I learned from these ladies that strong determination makes nothing impossible. After that many more students passed the tests and they shared their happiness of their achievement with me. Senior students wanted more classes. They felt once a week wasn't enough for them. So in September of this year the Federal Way citizenship program began offering the class twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, morning classes for advanced students and afternoon classes for beginners. One rainy Monday in September I went to class and found that water was leaking through the class room ceiling. Water was all over the floor and still dripping heavily. The students set on desks or put their feet on chairs. Their lips were blue and they looked very cold. Their hair, shoes and clothes were wet. I tried to cancel the class, but they insisted that class be held despite the terrible conditions. They were afraid that the new Monday classes would be canceled forever. They put many containers and trash cans on the floor where water was dropping. Water dripped very rhythmically yet noisily, but my students didn't mind at all. They concentrated on the lectures and studied. During the break time students emptied the containers and class continued - both the morning and afternoon classes. I admire their desires and determination to learn English to get their citizenships. I am very proud of all my students, for they are my inspiration to do the best I can to prepare and present my lessons with that same desire and commitment. They know what it takes to make their lives better and to make me feel good about myself. I really appreciate all of my students, Anna, and the KWA for giving me the opportunity to have these amazing experiences in my life.
|
