Even though there are things that I don't like about Cleveland (the midwest/conservative mentality, the abandoned look and feel of its downtown), it's nice to see that it honors some people who do good things.

Last night I attended a "Cleveland Reads" volunteer reception downtown. I've been tutoring and volunteering with the local ESL organization in Cleveland Heights for a few months and my supervisor invited me to this event, which honors all of the volunteers in all of the literacy organizations that are sponsored by "Cleveland Reads".

It was a great event--small, cozy, and quaint. At first, I couldn't find the place where it was held, but luckily, I followed two women who looked like they knew where they were going. I got a chance to meet the main supervisor of the ESL organization and we had a nice chat. It was a good thing that I ate something before I attended the event because the "hearty hors d'oeuvres" were not in ample supply. I ate a small piece of chicken, tater tots, and 2 chocolate covered strawberries (I couldn't resist! :) )

There were speakers and they all gave nice speeches about literacy and how it positively impacted their lives. However, the most moving speech came from an older man who was trying to get his GED. He dropped out of high school at the age of 16 because his girlfriend was pregnant, and at the same time, he got addicted to drugs and alcohol. He has been clean and sober for some time, but I was very moved by the way he was describing his suffering and his difficulties in getting a GED. I was almost in tears when he described his ambition of eventually pursuing a bachelor's degree in computers and art after getting his GED. He wants to become an inspiration for his children, so they wouldn't have to look at other people on TV, media, for inspiration...

It makes me feel blessed that I was fortunate to have a mother who really pushed me through education. She was the one who introduced me to books, art, music. So many people are not fortunate to have that opportunity or have someone show them a different way of life. I hope that when I become a teacher, I could inspire my students to look at the world differently and to love learning new languages and cultures. Sometimes I need to be reminded by others how fortunate I am and that I shouldn't complain too much when I encounter challenges and difficulties...

One of the volunteers from the ESL organization won "Volunteer of the Year"--it was really great! He is 83 years old and he really loves to volunteer. For all of the volunteers, we received a book about ending illiteracy, as well as a voucher for Barnes and Nobles bookstores! How awesome!

I found out about another opportunity for me to volunteer teaching ESL this summer, so I will check that out. Plus, my supervisor commented to me that I appear to be at ease when i am interacting with the students, which really made me feel great! Put me in a better mood than I was the night before. :)