Newport Beach Library
Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy
Literally
Speaking: Nov/Dec 2014
Snapshot:
Tutor
Shari Elias
Last year, Newport/Mesa
ProLiteracy recognized Shari Elias for her nearly 7 years of service to the
Program, both as a tutor and an instructor. Her dedication to the learners has
made her an invaluable member of the team.
Literally
Speaking: What first drew you to the Newport Beach Public Library literacy
program?
Shari: My
father passed away in 2007, and after having been his caregiver for 7 months at
his home in CDM, I felt a need to volunteer in a less stressful situation. I
never realized how much fun and enjoyable, while also being therapeutic,
tutoring in this program would be. It took some time to realize that as I was
helping others, the learners were doing me a much greater service.
Literally
Speaking: How has your work here impacted your life outside?
Shari: Being
involved with individuals from approximately ten different countries every week
cannot be anything but exciting. Although I have always thought of myself as
open-minded and fairly liberal, it is difficult for me to express my emotions
felt when discussing religion, politics, lifestyles, families, marriages, sex,
etc., in a group setting with foreigners. I have learned from them to be more
compassionate, less prejudiced, and not to jump to conclusions when a
particular group is headlined in our news. I also appreciate that I can now
recite a greeting in about 8-10 different languages other than English. READ
MORE !
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