Victor Menendez applied for a volunteer position at the Immigrant Centre after his father Roberto told him about his own experience at the Centre as a practicum student. “My dad loved the environment, loved the job, loved the people. I thought it sounded interesting, so I looked into you guys.” At the time, Victor was feeling a bit disillusioned after a career dream did not work out. “To be honest, I was feeling lost at the beginning of the year. I had given up the dream,” he says. “Halfway through the year I was still feeling a bit confused, and I wasn’t really doing anything. My dad told me about the Centre, and I felt it would be a good opportunity.”

Victor looked at the Immigrant Centre’s website and was happy to learn about our volunteer opportunities, so he applied for a position as an English Conversation Group Facilitator in August. “I didn’t have any expectations, ” he says. A few weeks later, Victor was offered an opportunity to teach an English class. “I was a bit worried. I had no idea how to do it, but I had the patience and the experience of being an immigrant myself.” 

Victor is thankful for the assistance and guidance that he received from more experienced volunteers, Osita, Frances and Darlene whose classes he shadowed until he was ready to teach his own. “I never imagined that I was going to do this.” Now that he is teaching his own class, Victor is mindful of creating an environment where his students feel comfortable asking questions. He enjoys discussing everyday topics with his students, or things and events which are new to them. 

 “I am really liking teaching English,” he says with a smile, “I am just thankful. This has helped me grow as a professional and my work and effort is being appreciated by staff and students.”