Since 2018, Hisae has been a dedicated participant in the Learning Lab, taking full advantage of its diverse offerings, including POC and Harper College ESL Conversation groups, the ESL Book Club, and Advanced ESL. She attends classes at the Higgins Education Center and participates in an ESL Group via Zoom to further develop her language skills, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning.
Hisae was introduced to the Learning Lab by a Japanese friend who recognized the unique and nurturing atmosphere created by the volunteer teachers, setting it apart from other programs. This supportive environment encourages guests to form a community, empowering them to help one another on their educational journeys and assimilate into the community.
She enthusiastically shares her experiences while learning about U.S. culture and current events, which fosters her curiosity about her fellow guests' diverse backgrounds. Her passion for mastering English is evident. She also enjoys reading, knitting, and playing the piano in her spare time.
Hisae describes the Learning Lab as a laboratory where she builds her confidence in speaking English and gains practical experience in real-world situations. Her natural ability to be inclusive has brought many new guests to our programs.
In her own words, Hisae says, "It is in the Learning Lab that I learned to laugh out loud," capturing the essence of her transformative experience.
The Learning Lab benefits from the support of volunteers. This year, 23 volunteers provided weekly assistance to our clients. With nearly 2,300 hours of service valued at $75,000, we could not fulfill the mission of POC without them. Volunteers provide a welcoming and safe space for individuals to pursue their dreams and goals. Many of our volunteers are retired professionals from fields such as nursing, teaching, and engineering, or they may have devoted their lives to raising families as "domestic engineers," eager to give back to their communities.
