A man who left his family behind in the Congo came to the United States several years ago. He has tried to bring his family to the United States, but a bad workplace accident has prevented the reunion. His right hand was so severely injured that he has spent the past year dealing with doctors, surgery, therapy, pain and painkillers.

The man is trying to adjust to a different life with an almost useless hand and an uncertain job future. While recuperating from his accident, the man decided to pursue a GED. His reading skills in his native language were not good, and he had even more difficulty learning and speaking English.

The man joined ESL classes at Parkland College in Champaign, and his ESL teachers agreed that a one-on-one tutor would be helpful. From his very first meeting with the tutor, the man’s spirits lifted, his despondency disappeared, his participation in ESL classes increased and his reading and writing began to improve. He has hope for the future.