Pat Murphy, a retired elementary counselor and special education teacher with 25 years of experience, discovered Skyline Literacy last fall through a fundraiser advertisement and conversations with current volunteers. Inspired by her own family and community connections—her daughter-in-law is from Nepal, and she has friends from other countries—Pat wanted to help adults learn English, understanding firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate a new language and culture.
Since starting last September, Pat has volunteered alongside her husband, teaching together in a dynamic and multicultural environment. She has been involved with tutoring basic literacy classes for about 15 students, which further influenced her desire to teach. Many of their students come from different countries, cultures, and languages, and several work demanding jobs in poultry processing, often attending classes after long shifts. Despite the challenges, Pat finds teaching incredibly rewarding. One Haitian student, eager and enthusiastic to learn, inspires her every day, while a dedicated student from Mexico, with low English proficiency, demonstrated perseverance and hard work last summer.
Teaching in such a diverse setting is not without its hurdles. Students arrive with varying levels of English, different learning needs, and limited time, yet their dedication motivates Pat. She notes that even a student who can only attend three hours a week, balancing work and family, brings energy and determination to every class.
Pat attributes much of her success to the support from Skyline Literacy staff. Maria, the tutor manager, provided guidance and encouragement when she was unsure about teaching the specific curriculum, answering her questions and helping her navigate lessons in depth. Kwestan, the program manager, has also been an invaluable liaison between students and teachers, ensuring communication is smooth and that students’ needs are met.
For Pat, the experience goes far beyond teaching English. Her students’ gratitude and enthusiasm are a continual source of inspiration. On her birthday, they gave her gifts to show their appreciation, a gesture that touched her deeply. She says, “It enriches you as a person to have relationships with people who are so eager to learn. You learn about their culture and about them individually. They are so grateful for your presence and want to be there. It gives you energy and hope to see them succeed at their goals.”
Through her volunteer work at Skyline Literacy, Pat has found that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about building connections, celebrating resilience, and sharing in the excitement of learning. Her journey reminds us that volunteering can inspire as much as it teaches, creating bonds that transform both teacher and student alike.