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| STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Sailabala Pani Intermediate Class June - July 2010 “My name is Sailabala Pani. I am originally from India. I have been a housewife throughout my life. I am married and blessed with four children—three daughters and one son. All are happily married and settled. I have five grandchildren and all are very cute. I love them very much. I was always eager to learn English but being a full time housewife I never got time. I want to write, read and speak in English so that I communicate with people easily. My hobbies are knitting, reading books, and socializing with people. My teacher’s name is Cheryl Crawford. She teaches very well.” Sailabala Pani is in Cheryl Crawford’s Intermediate English as a Second Language Class.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Gabriela Soto Intermediate Class March - April 2010 
“My name is Gabriela Soto. I am from Costa Rica. I have been living here for more than eight years. I come back to study English for the last two years because I want to improve areas of my life. With better English skills, I can have more job opportunities, meet new friends and pursue work as a translator in the church. My hobbies include reading, studying, watching movies and listening to music. I have three sisters, several nieces and nephews, and my mother here in Nashville. I came here to the Foreign Language Institute to help reach those goals.” Gabriela is in Cheryl Crawford’s Intermediate English as a Second Language Class.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Porfirio Hernandez Intermediate Class January - February 2010 “Hi, my name is Porfirio Hernandez. I am from El Salvador. I have been living in Nashville for nine years. I work for Cornerstone bakery. I am taking English classes because I want to learn a different language. My favorite hobby is playing soccer. I have a daughter and her name is Kenia. She is in school for the first time this year. I feel so happy because she is learning, too.” Porfirio is in Cheryl Crawford’s Intermediate English as a Second Language Class.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Kelly de Almeida
Intermediate Class November - December 2009
“My name is Kelly de Almeida. I’m from Brazil and I’m a physiotherapist at Vanderbilt University. I came to the US to follow my husband who is in post-doc at Vanderbilt University. I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Hope who first introduced me to the steps in the English Language and now I really enjoy learning English and now I really enjoy learning English at TFLI. Nashville is a beautiful city, and I have met some good friends here, such as my teacher Cheryl Crawford. I am now more confident to explore this country and its language.”
Kelly enjoys playing volleyball with her colleagues at Vanderbilt. She has been in the U.S. for 11 months. She will be going back to Brazil for a vacation in November.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Felipe & Natasha Hail & Cotton Custom Class September - October, 2009 Felipe: I came to the U.S. to study English because it’s going to help me further my business career. I could have gone to England but I know speaking American English gives me an edge over British English. I will be taking over my Father’s company one day and I will be interacting with American business people. I have traveled extensively and I will continue traveling. Speaking English fluently will enable me to communicate wherever I go. Also, I love to learn new things and I always want to know more and more. TFLI has been an excellent place for me to continue my studies. I strongly recommend TFLI to anyone that’s interested in studying English.
Natasha: I’m planning to further my career in fashion, so I came to the U.S. to learn advanced English. English is the universal language and will help my advancement in the fashion industry. Also, I love the U.S. culture. This includes the music, movies, the art, fashion and tourist sites. The United States is always one step ahead and if you want to be the best, you have to learn with the best. And I definitely want to be ‘the best’.
CLASS OF THE MONTH
International Newcomer's Academy Parents of ELL July 09 - August 09 Through TFLI's TESL Certificate Program, TFLI partnered with the International Newcomer's Academy (INA) to provide English as a Second Language Classes for the parents of ELL children in Metro Schools. Classes were held every Wednesday morning for a total of 10 weeks at Henry Maxwell Elementary School and Norman Binkley Elementary School. Both classes were at the Introductory level with about 8 students in each class. ESL students learned to communicate in a variety of subjects including shopping, prepositions of place, and apartment hunting. Each class was taught by a teacher-in-training in the TESL 20 course. ESL students received a certificate of completion for their attendance and participation on May 29, 2009. We want to give special thanks to Ms. Clemencia Donovan at the INA for making these classes happen! 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Anibal Perez Advanced ESL Class
April 09 - May 09 "Hi I'm Anibal Perez , I'm From Mexico City I came to U.S.A in July 1999. I have been working at Ingram Book Company in receiving deparment , since december 1999. I live in Antioch T.N with my wife and kids their ages are Kevin 9 and Ellen 4. I have studied in T.F.L.I since 2007. I study English because I want to obtain a better position in my Job. I would like to continue to learn English because it's necessary for my goals ,plans and my successful in my life. My hobbies, when I have a time I play guitar, I like to listen pop music , watch movies and take short trips on the weekend. Thanks everybody from T.F.L.I and my teacher Jeniffer , classmates , and all staff. Thank you for everything." 
CLASS OF THE MONTH
Deb Hungate Beginning Class
February 09 - March 09 The English as a Second Language Beginning 5 class meets on Saturday mornings at TFLI. Half of these students have been studying together for a year, having started at the introductory level. We have had speakers of Russian, French, Hindi, Bosnian, Arabic and Spanish, some of whom are pictured here. This is a conversational English class that covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation/accent reduction, idiomatic language and cultural/social customs. Learning is accomplished through a combination of book work, individualized attention, specifically targeted social interactions (like our virtual garage sale!), lively conversation, and easy laughter. 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Anh Tuan Custom Class
December 08 - January 09 “I’m Anh Tuan. I’m from Vietnam. I came to the U.S. in April. My parents have five kids. My older brother and sister are still in Vietnam. My younger brother, sister and me are with my parents in Nashville. I want to become a nice priest so I’m learning English. I want to help anybody who needs some helping, but first, I must learn how to receive what people give me. I need a lot of prayers for me to help me to learn more about things. I’m thankful anybody for anything that they help me. Thank you.” Anh Tuan has been taking custom one-on-one classes at TFLI. He is also studying TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for entrance into the university. He always greets everyone with a smile when he walks in the door. He also very skilled at computer programs. We have seen Anh Tuan grow in his English language skills. He continues to study at TFLI. Anh Tuan paints a picture of his hometown in Vietnam
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Edith & Esperanza Custom Class
October - November 2008 “I’m Edith, I’m 32 years old and I’m from Guadalajara, Mexico. I arrive in Nashville last year because my husband transferred by his company. I need to meet people and have more contact with my daughter’s teacher so I’m learning English. If I speak English well I will have more friends here and I will resolve situations without my husband’s help. I found in TFLI the best path for learning English. My teacher help me to trust in my grammar, speaking and pronunciation. I’m no longer afraid to talk in English with people. I have seen advances in me. I would like to continue to learn English because it’s necessary for my life to be successful in the U.S.” “I’m Esperanza, I’m from Guadalajara, Mexico. I need the English for my job, because if you speak English you will have a good opportunity at work. This year my life gave me an opportunity to study English at TFLI, and I found the people very friendly and excellent teachers that helped me speak better and feel confident when I speak English with others. Now, the important thing for me is to practice speaking English with others. I never forget, “there are many ways to say the same thing”; this phrase helped me to speak English. Nashville is a beautiful city and I hope to come back soon. Many thanks to all!” 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Ruth Winter Superior Class
August - September 2008 "I moved to the United States in 2006. I spoke a little English, but I found the TFLI, and I started my English classes in September 2006. I'm sure that I made a very good decision because now I can talk to everybody. I can work any place and I can make more friends. On May 13, 2008, we had a baby and my husband and I decided to teach him both languages, English and Spanish. That way he can have more opportunities. If you are interested in English classes, do not wait anymore, the TFLI is the best way to learn. The institute has good teachers. My teacher is Carrie. She's so patient and very nice." Ruth and her baby
CLASS OF THE MONTH
Progreso Community Center Intro Class
June - July 2008 TFLI’s ESL Director Angela Harris partnered with Progreso Community Center’s Director Juan Canedo to provide literacy and ESL classes to at least 40 Hispanic immigrants who are not currently being served under existing language programs. Those to be served under the proposal include members of Progreso Community Center (PCC) as well as those interested learners from the community. TFLI and PCC have already tested over 40 interested members. The classes are being taught by certified ESL teachers trained by professionals in TFLI’s TESL Certification course. “The collaboration between TFLI and PCC to teach English with the support of Dollar General Literacy Foundation demonstrates that this community-based effort is a concrete example of the commitment that Hispanic immigrants have to learn English,” Canedo said. Both Harris and Canedo said they are exceptionally grateful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for providing this opportunity. An Intro Class Taught by Lisa Williams
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Maria Diehl
April- May 2008 Maria and her teacher, Nancy ‘Little Maria’ is an absolute joy to teach. She was born in Guatemala and adopted by US parents only a few months ago. Maria came to TFLI for ESL lessons one week prior to her 5th birthday. She had very little understanding of English and all of her spoken words were in Spanish for the first couple weeks of class. She now enjoys trying her hand at English, especially when telling about her older brother Noah and her younger brother Isaac. Another favorite topic of conversation is Cinderella, her favorite ‘princess’. She’s such a smart little girl and brings pure light into TFLI each morning she arrives for class. She puts smiles on the faces of everyone in the office.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Hamdija Odzakovic
February- March 2008  Hamdija and his family came to the United States from Sarajevo in 1998. He has a daughter who is currently at Belmont University. Hamdija works in the Materials Management Department at Centennial Medical Center as a stock clerk. In the past, he worked with livestock and trained horses. According to his co-workers, friends, peers, and teachers, he is a true humble gentleman. His hard-working nature inspires all those around him. Using his newly founded English skills, he is sharing his enthusiasm and his stories with others. Despite his hardships in Sarajevo, he continues to be an energetic worker and a dedicated student.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Omar Gashaan
December-January 2008  Omar Gashaan is originally from Somalia. After living in a refugee camp in Kenya for 14 years, Omar moved to the United States in 2004. He currently works for Enterprise, but wants to become a taxi driver. Aside from his work and English classes, he spends his time with his four children and wife. He also loves reading. Omar works very hard on his homework. He comes to class prepared and participates freely. He is taking English classes three days a week at TFLI and the Somali Community Center. He is very easy-going and adds humor to the lessons. Omar is a delight to have in class. For a person who has seen so much turmoil in his lifetime—he is a kind soul.
ESL CLASS OF THE MONTH October-November 2007
Left to right: Regina, Mary, Bonnie, Nkuma & William
Students learning English at the Sudanese Community Center of Nashville pose with one of their TESL Practice Teachers. Students have been learning together for one year with the teachers of TFLI — their focus is workplace English. The primary purpose of this organization is to help refugees and immigrants who have been resettled in Tennessee. Assistance is provided with the transition from their culture into American life, helping them to live, to work, and to support their families. Services are offered to the 8,000 Sudanese refugees and immigrants in Nashville and surrounding areas as well as to refugees and immigrants from other African and Middle Eastern countries. If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Sudanese Center, please contact Gatluak Ter Thach, Executive Director, gatluakt@yahoo.com or visit www.sudanesecenter.org.
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ESL CLASS OF THE MONTH |
August - September 2007 
A group of students, ages 9 to 15 years old, from the International Travel for High Achieving Students program from Taichung, Taiwan is visiting Nashville and taking English as a Second Language classes at the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute. The 3-week trip is a learning vacation for the students, who will also visit the Nashville Zoo, the Adventure Science Museum, the Opryland Hotel and the Wave Pool, among other sites. The students are very excited about learning English and about learning more about Nashville and the United States. They all belong to the same star chess education organization in Taiwan, which uses a newly patented strategic board game to teach mathematics, strategic thinking and letters. The game is circular-shaped and is based on the ancient I-Ching philosophy, which promotes harmony. | |
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