Motivation Monday: Dreams
After a two week hiatus, ESL class started up again. Some familiar faces came in, hugging and greeting each other exuberantly taking their seats. The new students sat quietly, migrating towards each other in a fear solidarity.
I wrote the Question of the Day on the Board:
What is YOUR dream?
The purpose of the question is to get the class talking, because once I begin class, I do the majority of speaking with an interruption for the occasional question.
As we went around, I discovered that my class is afraid to dream. My dreams include traveling the world, having a laundry lady, owning a larger home. The class plays it safe: good education for their children, a clean home, a job.
One of the obstacles that recurs is that their English isn’t good enough. A friend quipped “I speak one language and that’s English. If I can understand you, then you speak English.” I understand his feelings, but I also know where my students are coming from.
When my Co-Irker was here, every step I made was scrutinized and met with a grumble or grunt. My Co-Irker made life MISERABLE. So miserable, I was not so covertly seeking employment anywhere. Having someone who constantly derides any effort a person makes can be exhausting.
It wasn’t until a fellow blogger told me that I needed to allow people an opportunity to say yes rather than already assume that they would say no. I pass this on to my students when they begin to The courage and strength I gain from my students allow me to pay it back to them when I explain to them that they speak English better than most Americans.
This week I challenge you to stop being afraid of a no, dream big, and walk into your yes.
Keep the conversation going. Comments welcomed!