Volunteer Spotlight: Gustavo

How long have you been volunteering with TLA?   

I’ve been volunteering with TLA for 6 months.

Why did you decide to volunteer at TLA?      

Originally, I was looking for places to gain experience in the teaching field, so I went to the Main Library office to get information about how to start a club/ free classes to teach ELL. I contacted someone from the library in charge of clubs, and he told me that that was a great idea, and the library was planning to do something similar next year. but not at that time, so he suggested contacting The Literacy Alliance then I did, and I’ve been here since then.

What has been the best part of your experience so far? 

My favorite part about volunteering at TLA, definitely must be the people, because everyone is wholesome and willing to help each other out as each student is happy to learn English to get better in their workplace and daily routine.

Do you have a favorite volunteer role/task with our organization?   

I recently started subbing. I had never done it before, so the first time it was scary as leading a class is intimidating, but once I started teaching a class, I went with the flow and learned what type of activities and exercises work with the class, and what doesn’t. Subbing has given me a broad view of reading what the students enjoy and I like to be creative on how I present the information to the class.

What have you learned about yourself and/or about others through volunteering at The Literacy Alliance?      

I’ve noticed that the students really appreciate you when you are willing to give out your time to teach them something as they are committed to being there as they’re improving their English.

If you were to encourage someone else to volunteer with our organization, what would you say? 

I would definitely recommend that people volunteer at TLA if they have a desire to teach and gain experience in a classroom environment. This is a place that inspires people to learn, and it is never too late to start fresh and find opportunities to grow.

What is one of your favorite books you would suggest others to read? 

You got me off guard on the reading part, as I don’t read as much as I’d love to, but I really enjoyed Stephen King’s IT and On Writing, and young adult books like The Perks of Being a Wallflower.