Learner Blog Spotlight: Learning At Every Age: Inés' Story

At 73, Inés is still learning, setting goals, and finding new ways to use her English. Originally from Chilé, she joined a Literacy Center Community Class at her retirement community with a practical goal: to feel more comfortable asking and answering questions at the doctor’s office.

In class, Inés and her classmates have been learning vocabulary related to health and doctor’s visits, practicing conversations through role-play, and working on the kinds of questions they might encounter in everyday life.

Recently, a representative from Inés’ health insurance company called with “a lot of questions!” Inés told her instructor that she was able to answer the questions much more easily than she had in previous years. She felt more comfortable speaking with the representative and was proud of how much easier the conversation had become.

For Inés, learning English has long been part of her life. She spent more than 20 years working in the cafeteria at a downtown Grand Rapids hospital, where she trained new staff and used English regularly. But she still sees value in continuing to learn.

 “I decided to join this class to increase my knowledge, to practice more. I get entertained, and I keep learning.”

For Inés, learning is something she continues to choose because it keeps her engaged and helps her communicate with the people around her. Through community classes, older adults like Inés can keep practicing English, working toward personal goals, and building skills that support their everyday lives.

Start your journey to learn English today!