Doris came to Literacy Services of Wisconsin (LSW) in February 2009, looking for a supportive and understanding environment in which to learn English. Originally from Peru and certified in accounting, Doris had recently joined her sister in Milwaukee and was becoming increasingly frustrated—not only with her lack of English, but also that people couldn't understand the little English she knew.
In August, Doris started working with Suzanne, who had also recently arrived in Milwaukee after living out of state for many years. Suzanne had been searching for a local organization to put her energy into. At the suggestion of her mom, a long-time volunteer at LSW, Suzanne was trained as a tutor and met Doris.
In their weekly 90-minute lessons, Suzanne and Doris work through reading, writing, and speaking exercises that teach English in a way that makes sense to Doris. By learning spoken English through sounds rather than traditional methods, Doris's understanding of the complexities of the English language is accelerated. Through their one-to-one tutoring, Suzanne has become tuned-in to how Doris thinks about words and how she forms sounds. This knowledge, built over the months they have been together, enables Suzanne to find the best way to teach Doris—when she needs guidance and when she needs to work it out for herself.
The real magic of Doris's development is through her personal relationship with Suzanne. The respect between the pair is clear. Suzanne sees the strength it took for Doris to come to LSW and ask for help. She admires the determination that is helping Doris jump grade levels in a short period of time and the tenacity it has taken for Doris to enroll at MATC to continue her learning. Doris looks to Suzanne as a friend and mentor, someone who listens closely and teaches the way she needs to be taught.
Doris had worked with other language organizations and tutors before LSW, but maintains that nowhere else have her needs been so well understood.
NEXT STUDENT STORY
> Esther
