How ESL Changed my Major

Working as a consultant for an ESL (English as a second language) class was not exactly where I thought I would find myself in my first semester of college. I figured I would take some classes that’d really kick my butt, I’d figure out a general sense of what’s going on and how this “Coe College” thing works, and I’d start working toward my theatre major. However, I received an email letting me know I could pick up some extra hours in the writing center by helping out in an ESL class. I needed the extra hours, so I emailed back saying that I would love to lend a hand. Little did I know I would be leaving that class knowing exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. 

There were a total of four consultants helping out: Valerie, Celestte, Adele, and I. Most of us went into the experience having no idea what to expect. Valerie, however, had done this last year, and said she was doing it again because it was so much fun. However, that was the extent of our knowledge, so we walked into the room on the first day a little nervous, but mostly excited. 

Essentially, our job was to play games with the ESL students to help improve their knowledge about the English categories in different areas, including vocabulary, slang, pronunciation, sentence structure, and more. We talked to them about their homework assignments, their weeks and the things they did, their upcoming assessments, and more. We then moved on to play trivia games, telephone, apples to apples, and other games that were entertaining and educational. We consultants formed connections with these students as well as each other. Even now, when I see anyone from that class, consultant or student, I always wave. The people and the fun of that class always left a smile on my face.

Trust me, I know what you're thinking. Of course you left that class happy, all you did was goof off and have fun. Well, yes, of course that was a factor. However, one day after class I got around to thinking about why I actually enjoyed that class. I reflected on my time in high school being a tutor, I thought about every time my siblings and friends would come to me with help on homework and writing papers, I remembered when a teacher once jokingly asked if I would be interested in helping him grade papers. That’s when it hit me. While I enjoyed forming connections with the ESL students and my fellow consultants and playing games, my real passion shining through was what made the class fulfilling for me; I love helping people learn. 

That's when I decided to switch my major. I have always wanted to become an English teacher for high schoolers, but I decided that working in a theatre was a more fun idea. However, my strengths were not as catered to theatre. Working on and around the stage is a hobby, and I still love it, but teaching brings a certain light to my eyes that I can’t explain. It makes me feel like I can change the world, I can change lives. That realization came to me because of working with ESL students through the writing center, and I couldn’t be more grateful.