Linking through language

In meeting spaces across campus this year, student volunteers connected one-on-one with staff members from countries around the world.

The meetings were part of the Linking Through Language and Technology (LTLT) program for employees learning English as a second language.

Leadership studies and philosophy, politics, economics, and law (PPEL) double major Elizabeth Milliot re-launched the program as a program associate in the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement (CCE).

"Elizabeth jumped into her role and did intentional work to collaborate with colleagues across campus to re-energize LTLT which was temporarily disrupted by COVID-19," said Blake Stack, CCE senior associate director for student engagement. "The program creates opportunities for students and staff to share their stories, navigate new experiences, and improve their English skills within a structured context where they’re provided training by experienced faculty and community members."

Milliot began recruiting student volunteers in the fall, and first-year Tatiana Hlinka attended one of the information sessions.  

"I did a lot of volunteering in high school" Hlinka said. "I love languages and was a tour guide for ESL students, so I was I wanted to continue that trajectory."

Allison Steele Hicks, associate director of communications and professional development in University Facilities, and Maura McLain, training and operations manager in Dining Services, were key partners in sharing the opportunity in their departments. About 25 staff members signed up to work with the student volunteers who received additional training with Leslie Bohon, director of English language learning in the Weinstein Learning Center.

"Dr. Bohon came to our orientation session and gave her advice on teaching adult ESL and shared different resources to access," Milliot said.

The students brought these curricular tools to each session, as well as their own backgrounds and experiences.

"My grandparents are from Slovakia. They don't speak English themselves, so growing up, I would have to teach them English in a sense," Hlinka said. "It wasn't anything structured but I developed that passion, and I translated that when I had my sessions. They reminded me of when I was teaching my grandma."

The one-on-one framework of the program also enabled student volunteers to cater to the needs of each staff member.

"My partner wanted to practice materials for the GED, so I would help her and give her lessons and tips and tricks," Milliot said. "It was a really good experience to know that I was helping her achieve this goal that would actually help her in her future ambitions."

Hlinka added, "My partner works in Facilities. I learned about their story and goals and ambitions. That really motivated me to continue coming back and continue helping her achieve what she wants, and that’s something I want to take with me and apply to my future in international law and diplomacy."

In the year ahead, Hlinka will step in as the CCE’s next LTLT program associate. 

"I’m looking to see if we can partner with surrounding schools on English learning, so we’re not only serving our community, but outside of it, as well,” Hlinka said. “We can also have speaker events from a particular refugee experience or immigration experience in Richmond. I think that would just add a little bit more to the program."

"The program is left in capable hands," Milliot added. "The role was really great for my college experience, and I’m excited to see how Tatiana will grow the program."