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Mt. San Antonio College English as a Second Language

ESL Good News Spring 2020 Issue

Message from the ESL - Manager of Instructional Support

Dear ESL Students,

Welcome to Spring 2020 term. I am delighted to be able introduce myself as the new Manager of Instructional Support at our ESL program. It is a real privilege to be part of such a wonderful ESL community. Many of you might know me as an ESL instructor, however, long before becoming an ESL instructor, I was an engineer in Hungary. I moved to the United States in 1994 and my first priority was to improve my English. I registered for ESL classes here at Mt. San Antonio College and for a year, I was an ESL student just like you! I studied hard, and I went to the Language Lab frequently to practice listening and pronunciation. It was not easy but I met my first friends in the ESL program, and we studied together. After 25 years, it makes me happy to know that we are still friends. I am encouraging all of you to make friends and have study groups.

I started taking credit classes in 1996. While I was a Mt. SAC student, I became an ESL tutor and started working with ESL instructors in the classroom. I had an incredible experience during my tutoring years. I met a wide range of students from many different countries. I tasted a variety of food from all over the world, not to mention, learning about all those students’ cultures and history. I fell in love with ESL, and I decided to study linguistics and become an ESL Instructor. I

earned my bachelor and master degrees at California State University Fullerton. I believe that education is important and that education is the door to opportunities.

I started teaching in 2002. Some of you might have taken my classes. I taught many different levels, as well as speaking and writing classes. I worked in the Language Lab on Saturdays and some weekdays, too. If you have taken my class, you know that I am a patient person and you might have noticed that I smile all the time. I also love talking about food even though I am vegetarian.

I love learning and technology. I read for at least an hour every day. Sometimes I don’t have time to read a book, so I read different articles using my favorite app, Flipboard. I enjoy reading so much that if I don’t have time to read in the evening, I get up an hour earlier so I have time to read.

Here is my take away, enjoy the learning process and be patient with yourself. We learn something new every day. At last, my favorite quote is “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.” - Steve Jobs.

Katalin Gyurindak Manager, Instructional Support

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ESL Alumni

Student Writings Taking ESL Class is Vey Helpful

Taking ESL class is very important for me and I’ve improved my English a lot at Mt. SAC. First, I have learned a lot of English Grammar and perfect pronunciation. They help me speak frequently. For example, I didn’t understand how to describe my exact meaning to someone because I always confused simple past and simple present, to say nothing of perfect present or perfect progressive. But right now, I know how to use them in my sentences. It helps someone understand my meaning correctly. Second, I have learned about American culture in class. It helps me to integrate into American life. I hadn’t been in a foreign country for a long time before I came to America. I didn’t know how happy the American People spent time in the park on weekends. They can sing loudly and enjoy their BBQ. They even dance freely in the park. We weren’t allowed to BBQ in my native country. We sometimes got an alarm because we sang loudly in the park. But right now, I can take my children to the parks to enjoy our free lives. Third, I have more confidence to speak English with native people. It helps me to improve my life fast. It was very hard for me to speak with my children’s teacher. It was even hard for me to make an appointment to see a doctor. I felt depressed because my English was my stumbling block. I didn’t find a job before I took ESL class. But right now, I feel free to talk to others. I have enough confidence to find a good job. As you can see, I enjoy my American life because I have made great progress in ESL class at Mt. SAC.

Yilin Li (Level 4)

Working to Learn

Obama said, Yes we can! As an ESL student at Mt. San Antonio

College, my goals are to continue studying English, and move to credit class in AMLA, then move to credit English class and finally to English 1A: Freshman Composition.

I went to a class and the teacher said

“Have you thought what career you want to take?” she said, “My son finished college here, then he transferred to another college. Why finish college here?” she said, “Because it’s a very good college.” The teacher accomplished her dream of having her son graduate.

Our time has come, after ESL are you ready for credit classes? Which career are you going to take? Are you going to be a Doctor, Dentist, Police Officer? I have my choice career, I’ll become home interior designer here in this college so I have to work hard to learn my English well!

Felipe De Jesus Alvarez (L-5)

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ESL Alumni

Highlights Winners of the CGC Open

House

Dory Wen & Maribel Gonzalez

During the 2019 Fall Semester, the ESL Counseling Team held an Open House for the Career and Guidance Center. This event was held to allow students to stop by, meet the counselors and ask questions about the services available to them in the CGC. We want to thank the many students who stopped by Room 126 in the Career Guidance Center and enjoyed some coffee, pastries, and took some time to talk with the Counselors and ask questions.

To thank everyone who attended, they were given a raffle ticket to fill out and hand in for a chance to win some prices. Out of all those who attended, nearly 200 students took the time to fill out their ticket and turn it back in. Congratulations to Dory Wen, a daytime Level 3 student from Professor Laura Bishop’s

morning class, and Wang Xiao Ling, an evening student from Professor Luisa Giron’s Level 3 class. They were lucky enough to get an assortment of school supplies such as a phone charging kit, a ruler with a three-hole punch, pens, pencils, among other items in a tote-bag with the Mt. SAC ESL Logo.

Wang Xiao Ling

So as you join us for the Spring semester stop by the CGC, located in building 66 Room 126. Remember that it is there for all ESL students to use. Come in and say hi, take a break, do some homework, print out assignments and take advantage of the center and the resources available to you!

Look for the posted schedule hours of availability and know that Counselors are always there to answer any questions you may have and are ready to assist and guide you with your academic path!

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ESL Alumni

SCG Digital America Inc. Hires Mt. SAC ESL Student

Yezhou Su

Accounting Assistant

Yezhou is from Shenyang, China. She came to Los Angeles in March 2019. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio & Television. In China, she worked in Human Resources for 10 years. This is her story

“As an ESL student, I took level and VESL elective courses. I am very grateful for my ESL teachers and their guidance, especially Professor Anna Powell. She is very professional and knowledgeable, I learned a lot from her. With her help, I successfully completed Intermediate Accounting and ESL Accounting & QuickBooks. I recently interviewed for 2 companies and was offered a job as an accounting assistant.”

Southern Pacific District Assemblies of God Hires Mt. SAC ESL Student

Karina Lassalle

Executive Assistant Karina is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before attending Mt. SAC she was attending the University of Buenos Aires. Although Karina took English classes in high school, she did not quite learn how to have a full conversation in English. In her country, she mostly worked for non-profit organizations. This is her story. “One of the most important things I did when first arrived to the United States was to enroll in the ESL program at Mt. SAC. Although there were challenges along the way, I successfully completed the VESL program. In VESL 1, I learned the skills needed to apply to jobs such as how to write a resume and a cover letter. In fact, the Career & Life Planning class I took with Ms. Vanessa helped me obtain the job I have now! Once I completed VESL 1, I took the QuickBooks class, which helped me further establish my small business on Etsy. My advice to ESL students is “Do not give up, dream big!” Ask for advice, all the ESL staff, counselors, and instructors are willing to guide you. As bilingual students, I believe we have a lot to offer. Continue to learn English and expand your opportunities.”

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ESL Alumni Study Tips Whether you’re a fifth-grader or a freshman in college, the thought of homework can be overwhelming. And actually doing homework can be quite difficult. But homework doesn’t have to be something a student dreads. With the right approach, it can be made more manageable and valuable, whether you’re in elementary school or high school, here are six ways to help you manage it!

1. Set priorities

Establish a list of priorities based on the class syllabus or assignment list. This can be helpful for tackling difficult tasks, creating motivation and activating your sense of control and independence when it comes to learning. The priority list helps maintain goals and gives you a sense satisfaction to cross things off the list as they are completed.

2. Tackle difficult tasks first

Start with your most difficult assignments first in order to make the most of your energy level and to focus at the beginning of a work session. You can attend to the easier or less time-consuming assignments at the end of a work session.

3. Break tasks down to smaller steps

You may not know how to start a major task, which could trigger procrastination or feelings of defeat. To guard against this, break major tasks into three or four smaller steps. Within one homework session, you can feel a greater sense of accomplishment by completing each small step toward the larger whole. In some cases, you might be able to spread these tasks over the course of a week.

4. Create evidence of learning

You will get more out of the time you spend reading, reviewing notes or otherwise “studying” if you create something in the process. For example, creating flash cards, a graphic organizer, chart, or notes with bullet points can help you become an active learner rather than a passive one. Organize the tools you create with the homework assignment by date and topic so that you can review those items to prepare for quizzes, tests or projects.

5. Build a network of support

If certain homework problems could not be solved and you’re stuck in a rut, figure out what’s confusing you and write or record your thoughts. Jot questions down and be as specific as possible in order to seek out additional support from teachers or tutors. The more you can identify sources of confusion, the more you can proactively reach out to your support network – teachers, tutors and others – in order to get additional help.

6. Revisit goals and set new ones

At the start of each homework session, establish goals for completion of your tasks or assignments. Revisit the goals at the end of the session and acknowledge a sense of completion. This goal-setting process builds confidence over time and helps you realize their potential even when faced with difficulties. A productive homework routine will help you realize that learning is an ongoing journey. The journey may be difficult but getting organized will make it as stress-free as possible.

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ESL Alumni Puzzle

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ESL Alumni

Career Conference 2020

Mt. San Antonio College English as a Second Language Department gets ready…

Mark Your Calendars for the 20th Annual ESL Career Conference &

Resource Fair

This annual conference informs matriculating ESL students about Mt. SAC programs and services, career options, and securing a fulfilling job. Information presented by faculty and staff will provide information on degree and certificate programs, college services, information about career and job skills, and general college success. The evening Presentations will be in a large group setting. Look out for more information to come your way!

Wednesday, May 13th 2020 Conference 8:30am to 11:15am

3 sessions: 8:30-9:15, 9:30-10:15, 10:30-11:15 AM

Resource Fair 9:30 to 12:30 Learn about Mt. SAC programs and community

organizations that can help you achieve your goals!

*More information to come your way

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ESL Alumni

Info to Know

Why you should complete the Census 2020

Early next year, the United States will participate in a nationwide census. A census is an official count and procedure that collects important information of the population in our nation. The U.S. government is required to do a census every 10 years. This process must include people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups; all citizens and non-citizens. One of the reasons we have a census, is to find out which communities need additional resources. Census data also helps determine distribution of congressional seats at all levels of the government.

Many people are fearful of completing the census, but there is nothing to be afraid of because the census is here to help. By completing a census form, you will help shape the future of your community. Once census information is collected, it will help determine what areas in the community need schools, roads, hospitals, childcare centers, senior centers and other services. In other words, it will help determine how more than $ 800 billion dollars will be distributed to every state over the next 10 years. Programs such as; Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special education Grants (IDEA), and Head Start also need census information to continue receiving funding. Filling out a census form is very important because many people in the community rely on these resources. Families can fill out census forms online, by mail, or by phone. If you choose to mail it in, please make sure you do it early so that it gets to the census office before April 1, 2020.

Some people may be wondering, “What happens if I don’t participate?” or “What if I’m not a U.S. citizen, will they report me?” If your family does not fill out a census form by April 1, 2020, your community may lose important resources. In addition to that, families that do not participate in the census will get a visit from a census

representative. This representative will go to people’s houses to get required census information. Filling out a census form and submitting it on time is the best way to avoid having a census representative visit your home. Many non-citizens worry about their citizenship status and think their participation in the census will affect them, but the reality is that it will not. You do not have to worry about your citizenship status or other personal information provided. The law requires that all information provided during the census is kept private. The information you provide will not be used against you in court or by any government agency. Remember, Census day is April 1, 2020. Participating in the census is your right and responsibility.

If you would like to know more about the upcoming census, join us for an informational workshop this semester. Stop by the Career and Guidance Center in Bldg. 66-126 or email us at eslcounseling@mtsac.edu to ask our counseling team about the dates and times for the workshops.

You can also call the Census hotline at 1(877)352-3676 or text CENSUS to 97779 to get mobile updates. © NALEO Educational Fund | 2019

CENSUS 2020

Sources:

National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) © NALEO Educational Fund | 2019 Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) © Public Policy Institute of California 2019