Volunteer Spotlight: Motomi
Motomi is a great volunteer at US Together!
We have so many dedicated volunteers who serve with US Together and we want to introduce you to one of those volunteers, Motomi. Motomi started volunteering virtually with us just a few months ago as a English Conversation Partner with one of our clients. Motomi has experience teaching English overseas and also has personal experience with the challenges of learning another language. So she became interested in volunteering with US Together and refugees when she heard about US Together from another one of our volunteers. Motomi is currently learning Japanese and has personal experience with the difficulties of learning a new language. She felt this was a great opportunity to get to know people from different cultures and backgrounds while also help someone learn a new language, a difficult achievement.
Volunteering with US Together is not Motomi’s first experience with immigrants, however. Motomi’s parents are also immigrants and so she was eager to work with an immigrant population; however, her parents did not face the language barrier when they migrated since they were native English speakers so Motomi has found it interesting to see the perspective of those who not only have to start over in a new country but also learn an entirely new language as well. Motomi expressed how enthusiastic the client has been to learn English and has come to prepared to the tutoring session each week which makes volunteering enjoyable.
When Motomi is not volunteering as an English Conversation partners, she is a student at the University of Toledo. Her current major is biology and she hopes to pursue a career as a doctor or as a social worker. Motomi pointed out that her time with US Together has provided valuable insight into the field of social work and also, her time as an English partner has been a great opportunity to learn about the importance of healthcare providers to have culturally competent skills and the knowledge and resources to have patience and to work who do not speak English and those who are limited English so that everyone can receive quality care, no matter their background.
Thank you Motomi for generously giving your time to volunteer!
Are you interested in volunteering with US Together? Click here to get involved!