Tutor Spotlight: Carl Pardi

 

Since meeting his first student in 2010, Carl’s dedication to LBN’s students and mission has been evident. Whether working with English Language Learners or Basic Literacy students, Carl creates a compassionate space that provides realistic challenges that pay off. Along with graduating from our program, many of his students achieve real life goals like employment and citizenship. For these reasons and more, he is our June Tutor Spotlight!

What inspired you to volunteer for Literacy Buffalo Niagara?

I joined LBN shortly after retiring from the local auto manufacturing business with the thought of giving something back to my community.

I am the descendant of immigrants who lived in the U.S. for many decades, but never learned to speak English. I believe their lives would have been much more fulfilling if they had learned the language. Also, since I never learned to speak Italian my relationship with them was limited. Empathizing with those who choose to come here led me to want to work with people who take the same difficult journey as my family.

What has been the biggest surprise about being a volunteer tutor?

It’s been extremely rewarding for me to learn so much about the lives of people from many parts of the world who teach me about their history and culture. Also, hearing what the new residents feel about their experiences in the U.S. has been interesting.

Share a success story you are proud of:

I have had many students whose new lives here have been inspiring, but the story I’m most proud of is the gaining of U.S. citizenship by my current student. She worked very hard over several months to prepare for her interview, which she passed, and has now been sworn in as a new citizen.

Do you have any tips for other tutors?

I’ve found that one the most valuable things we can provide our students is a safe place to use and hear English. It can be a scary thing to try to navigate life in a strange place without knowing what people are saying. For a couple of hours a week we can make that situation more comfortable.