My name is Oggie Djizov and I am a student in the advanced class for ESL in the Norwood Adult ESOL Program. I would like to tell you my opinion about the Career Exploration Student Leadership mini-grant funded by the the Massachusetts System for Adult Basic Education Support (SABES).

The day when I started this program, I didn't know that we were going to have this project. I thought that I could learn English grammar only. Soon I figured out that we had conversations about everything in class with other students. Also, what became more important for us was meeting with our guests for different projects.

We had a lawyer who explained everything about the steps we have to follow for naturalization (becoming a U.S. citizen).We had a realtor, mortgage loan officer, medical translators, all visit us.

Meeting with the specialist from Massachusetts Employment and Training Center was so exciting. He made a point of going over all the details of this department. This was so useful for us because most of us are unemployed and we really need help to find a job.

I think this leadership project is very useful for the students because all of us need more experience in talking in a public place. Also, working with the other students from the beginner class is very useful because we have a chance to see ourselves in the position of helpers to others who need more information.

I think that this kind of course with a leadership program is very useful for all the advanced students. We can learn how to lead and help others.

I really appreciate the teachers, the hard work, and the help. I hope that if I have any chance I will take this class again. Thanks so much!

Oggie Djizov is a student at the the Norwood Adult ESOL Program. He can be reached through his teacher, Mary Ann Sliwa, at masliwa@comcast.net