For the over 300 adults learning English at CMAA, our Adult Volunteer Tutor program is an invaluable resource for community connections, mutual learning, and English language proficiency. In the program, adult learners are matched with tutors to practice English outside of class. CMAA invites proficient English speaking community members to volunteer as tutors because when we foster strong and mutually beneficial community connections, learning does not stop at just English language learning–neighbors meet, friendships are formed, and local knowledge is shared. Andrew is one of our proud tutors.
As a bilingual Asian American who spent several years growing up in Taiwan, Andrew understands the challenges of navigating between languages and cultures. His experiences of code switching, language transitions, and learning new cities sparked a passion for being an English tutor to immigrant community members. After moving to Chicago in the wake of the pandemic, Andrew sought connections with people who shared his values. He learned about CMAA and the kinds of community we build and quickly became an active volunteer.
Andrew has supported CMAA for over a year now, serving as an English language tutor and community volunteer at our Lunar New Year Celebration and Dim Sum & Then Sum race. Through these experiences, he has deepened his understanding of how skill-sharing and tutoring within his community can blossom transformative impacts. Through his own experiences and by sharing stories with the people he tutors, he believes that becoming proficient in English leads to higher self-confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Language-accessible services are often scarce, especially for immigrants who speak languages that are less supported in the U.S. Because English language skills are vital to community participation and navigation, accessing critical services, and overcoming social isolation, relying on family, neighbors, and community becomes essential. Andrew and CMAA’s team of volunteer tutors are an integral part of this support system.
Whether through tutoring, financial contributions through his company’s volunteer matching program, or assisting with events, Andrew continues to be an important part of CMAA’s efforts to build empowered and inclusive communities. Andrew’s commitment to volunteering with CMAA has deepened his own connection to the immigrant experience and reinforced his belief in this power of community. CMAA celebrates and is endlessly grateful to have Andrew as part of our team.
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