San Bernardino County Library - When he lost his job, he found a passion

When he lost his job, he found a passion
Press Enterprise: April 27, 2010 by Linda Lou

When the company that Ricardo Tamayo worked for went under in 2008, he spent many hours looking for work on the computers at the Lewis Library and Technology Center in Fontana and was intrigued at how some Latinos toiled over how to use computers.

Tamayo, who is bilingual, helped translate. After securing work as an insurance sales agent, Tamayo started volunteering as a literacy tutor in 2009.

Two months later, he was asked to teach a computer class in Spanish.

The volunteer position spoke to Tamayo.

He said he has a background in computers and is a Certified Microsoft Systems Engineer. For the past year, he has been teaching basic Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. His teaches in English on Mondays and on Tuesdays in Spanish. Each session is five weeks.

"He brings terrific enthusiasm," said Lisa Llewellyn, a literacy coordinator for the San Bernardino County Library System. "He is one of the best volunteers."

Tamayo, 50, said he enjoys teaching.

"It's just something that's in me," he said. "I like to help people. It's a wonderful feeling, a great sensation. At the end of class, everyone says, 'Thank you, Ricardo.' I feel good."

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Tamayo said he plans to volunteer at the Fontana library, which is near his home, as long as he has the time. He recently started studying Microsoft Office Publisher and hopes to offer a course in that as well.

Volunteering at the library has given him a new passion. Tamayo said he plans to find out what he needs to do to get a paid job in the classroom.

"My goal is to become a computer instructor at an adult school in Fontana," he said.

For more information about computer classes at the Lewis Library and Technology Center, call 909-574-4540 or 909-574-4560. READ MORE !