Regina CP#2

Regina Sosinski - CP#2

July 10, 2017, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Young Joo Oh

Location: Starbucks

 

Young Joo was already at Starbucks when I arrived, enjoying an iced coffee drink and reading a book in Korean. She was very happy to meet me and so glad I was willing to talk with her! Young Joo does not attend classes at CIES, but applied to have a conversation partner. I got a coffee and joined her at the table. I found out she moved to the U.S. from Korea with her husband, son and daughter about ten years ago. They first lived in Connecticut for about 6 years, then moved to Indiana for about 2 years before finally coming to Tallahassee. In Korea, she received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. But, she said she's only able to teach preschool in the U.S., and switched her major to Early Childhood Education. She hasn't worked since living in Tallahassee, but would really like to get a job at a preschool, even as an aid. She says what prevents her is that she doesn't speak English well enough to work in a situation in which she has to talk to childrens' parents on any given day. I told her it was just a matter of practice and, in the process, becoming more confident when speaking. I asked if her family spoke English at home, and she said her husband spoke in English to their son and daughter, but in Korean to her. Her son, (in college in Jacksonville), and her daughter (16 and in high school), both grew up learning and speaking English. She said her daughter will speak to her in English about basic things, but gets easily frustrated if her mom doesn't understand and switches to Korean. I asked Young Joo if her daughter would help her practice speaking English if asked, and she thinks she will. I suggested role playing in a preschool situation might be a good exercise, starting with typical topics a parent might ask when dropping off or picking up a child. Practicing common dialogue builds familiarity, ability and confidence. As a result, the prospect of having to spontaneously respond to a parent will feel less intimidating. She liked the idea of role play, and getting more practice speaking English in general. I encouraged her to practice speaking English any time she can!