1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

ESL Recognition Ceremony Set for May 15

by: Christy Skeen

On Thursday, May 15, English as a Second Language students will be recognized during the Sixth Annual ESL Ceremony in the Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College. The ceremony, which applauds and celebrates the success of students in ESL classes, will get underway at 6:30 p.m.

More than 400 students are enrolled in ESL classes and they will be recognized for their efforts in mastering the English language. These students represent approximately 35 different languages.

They include Spanish, Nuva, Moru, Serbian, Gerorgin, Albanian, Dinka, Baril, Hindi, Somalian, Mina, French, Arabic, Swahili, Uxdu, Bulgarian, German, Polish, Nuer, Tugalog, Yugoslavian, American Sign Language, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Bulgarian, Croatian, Japanese, Navajo, Bosnian, Bongali, Mandarin, Amaric and Italian.

A number of students attending this ceremony possess a great feeling of accomplishment. Among those boasting with pride are Amina Hadziomerovic of Bosnia and Danijela Bakovic of Yugoslavia.

"I had four years of English in my high school," said Hadziomerovic. "But when I came here it was really difficult for me. I am very talkative by nature however; I really didn’t start talking until after my first semester of ESL classes. You go through a period of time when you feel shy and are afraid to say anything because it must be wrong or sound funny."

Hadziomerovic found out that she was not alone in feeling this way. She immediately joined the International Club and found fellow students who were struggling with the same issues. She is now president of the club.

"Not only did the International Club help me make friends and find other students facing similar situations, it allowed me to learn more about other cultures and compare them to mine," added Hadziomerovic. "The International Club is just great. It really helps you get adjusted."

Danijela Bakovic who moved to Phoenix with her family less than two years ago is slowly moving out of the "shy" stage to the more talkative stage.

"It can be so frustrating at first, but you have to do it," she said. "You have to make yourself talk to other in English – that’s the only way you will learn."

Bakovic advises ESL students to speak English as much as possible.

"When I first met Amina, I talked to her in Bosnian," she said. "But she would answer me back in English. It is so comforting to talk with friends in your language; however, if you want to learn and succeed, you must break yourself of this habit."

Both Hadziomerovic and Bakovic are doing very well. They are currently student workers in the Career Center and have overcome the fear of answering the phone.

"This was a huge challenge for me," said Bakovic. "The first time I answered the phone I was scared to death, but Amina made me do it."

Hadziomerovic has completed five ESL classes and Bakovic has one left to take. They owe their success to the wonderful ESL faculty.

"The instructors want you to learn and understand," said Hadziomerovic. "They are very patient with you and are there whenever you need them."