Tamara Hill heads up the English Second Language program

Every school year, Fresno Christian welcomes many new international students. Most of these students arrive from South Korea, China and Vietnam. For many exchange students, this is their first time living in the United States. As a result, most only know a minimal  amount of English which can prove to be intimidating in class and around the hallways.

However, there is a solution for students struggling with a language barrier. Tamara Hill, one of the tutors from the Learning Resource Center, a support service for students with special learning needs, is now offering ESL (English Second Language) support. Located in the campus library, ESL teaches international students to improve their English and is aimed for those who know little of the language.

Hill first started teaching ESL at Selma Unified in 1981, where she stayed for 6 years until transferring to Fresno County’s minor ed program*. As a Fresno Christian mom to Randy Hill, ’04, and Robbie Hill, ‘14, she began working for the LRC in 2001.

I love getting to know new people, and I am excited for these kids to get to know me. I’m grateful for international students like Olivia Tandajaja that are advanced in their English skills and can assist me in helping other students that are struggling. We’re here to come together to learn about each other’s cultures and help ease the stress that they are feeling. –Tamara Hill, FC tutor

Recently, because of her experience in the subject, Superintendent Jeremy Brown asked her to be the head of the ESL program at Fresno Christian. With experience working at FC, and a passion for helping students, Hill accepted the position.

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“Jeremy saw the need for the ESL program at our school, especially since he hosts international students (Leo, ‘16 and Ryan, ‘16) at his home,” Hill said. “I was all in for the idea, however it will be a work in progress getting this program off the ground. I really want the students to be involved and tell me what they need help with so that I can provide that for them.”

“The main purpose for the club is to help these students adjust to the new environment,” Tandajaja said. “We all got to know each other and share stories about ourselves and our hometowns. I’ve been talking to international students about what they expect out of the club, and they said it’d be great if other American students could also be part of the club. It’s a great way to help the international students make new friends instead of just staying in their own groups.”

Hill enjoys helping international students because not only is it a learning experience for them, but for her as well. She also enjoys being the bridge that helps students become more comfortable in an American environment. Her goal is to build relationships which result in trust and improvement for students’ English skills.

“I love getting to know new people, and I am excited for these kids to get to know me,” Hill said. “I’m grateful for international students like Olivia Tandajaja that are advanced in their English skills and can assist me in helping other students that are struggling. We’re here to come together to learn about each other’s cultures and help ease the stress that they are feeling.”

For international students interested in ESL support, Tamara Hill offers help in the library every Monday and Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. with no charge. International club meetings are once every other Thursday during lunch for all students interested in the club.

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @macyyvictoria and via email: [email protected].

*CORRECTION: The Feather apologizes for the error in the article. Tamara Hill formerly worked for the Migrant Education Program for Fresno County.