TP# 1 David Huntley

I was lucky enough to meet with my tutoring partner almost immediately after my conversation partner, an experience that was nerve-racking at first, but turned out to be very easy and enjoyable.  The "success" I felt after my interaction with my conversation partner transcended into confidence when meeting my tutoring partner.  I wasn't nervous this time, in fact, I was probably too confident.

Jassas and I met in front of Strozier Library after a few difficult exchanges of text messages and emails. We parked on the first floor and got to work.  I began by going down the list of questions given to the TEFL students via email. It took all of about 2 questions before I realized I would have to drastically slow my speech and annunciate every word.  Jassas is not a strong english speaker, but he is very motivated.  I tried to ask very basic questions to get to know him and get him practicing his speech, but I soon realized his vocabulary and basic grammar were in crucial need of improvement before any conversation of quality could be had.  Honestly, I was discouraged.  Nearly every question I had needed to be repeated, and we used the translator on his ipad more times than I am willing to admit.

Frustrated, discouraged and humbled, I took a deep breath and asked Jassas if he had any homework with him he would like me to go over.  Jackpot.  Jassas showed me exercises in subject/verb agreement, irregular and regular verb tenses, and vocabulary.  We went over and corrected his exercises, I saw his and my confidence rise exponentially.  Although it took roughly 30 minutes, Jassas and I began making progress and ended up working for a good hour and a half before I realized it.

My first experience as an english tutor was filled with emotion, discouragement, hope and progress.  I saw someone who showed an genuine interest in learning english, become inspired by the progress I helped him achieve.  Sure, it was only one session, but it was a rewarding and empowering experience. I am looking forward to our next lesson which I will certainly be much more prepared for.