Conversational ESL/ESOL classes are offering new opportunities and changing lives for students at Lone Star College-East Aldine Center.

The Continuing Education Communication Skills classes are providing valuable skills to those seeking to learn other languages to help them in both the workforce and in their personal lives.

ESOL student Rene Monsivais credits the class for helping him communicate more effectively at work.

“Before starting the English class, I was struggling to communicate with my coworkers at work. Since I started, I have been able to communicate better and understand what work needs to be done. In the future, I know it's going to be beneficial for me because it will open more doors to opportunities at work."

"I am so proud of the work that my students do,” says ESOL Instructor, Teresa Menchaca.  “They are so dedicated and highly motivated to learn English. They are using what they learn in the classroom and applying to their jobs and home life. In such a short time, I have seen an increase in confidence when they are communicating in English."

Alisha Maria Diaz attended an English class with instructor Jennie Bell. “Taking this class is helping me with better communication in English at my children’s school and at the doctor’s office. I practice speaking English with my family. I am learning a lot and want to continue to study more.”  

Other students are taking classes in Spanish to help them in their occupations and daily lives. Janice Umana is a bus driver for Aldine ISD.

"This class has encouraged me to practice actually speaking Spanish at home and at work. This has been especially helpful when communicating with my Spanish speaking parents. It saves time when you don't have to wait for an interpreter to become available."

"I want to learn Spanish to communicate with Spanish speaking students and parents at my daycare,” Raphaelle Guidry says.  “I want them to feel comfortable and welcomed in an English-speaking country."

Angela Contreras de Wise is one of the Spanish instructors. "My students take Spanish because they need and want to communicate with the Hispanic community in the area. The positive impact for learning Spanish in the United States is unmeasurable: bridging the world and bridging cultures to make one world.”

For more information on ESL/ESOL classes at Lone Star College-Kingwood and Centers, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/esol-dept-kingwood.htm.

Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D. serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit Lonestar.edu.

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