Southwestern Community College's ESL Classes: Breaking Barriers

FRANKLIN - Liz Ruppert has changed the lives of people from Mexico, Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, France, Cambodia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and China, just to name a few, who are living in the United States.

Within the walls of Ruppert's classroom, people across the globe have begun breaking down language barriers and immersing themselves in the English language.

Jorge Adame, left and George Luna, right, are students in Liz Ruppert's English as a Second Language class at Southwestern Community College. ESL Classes are offered free of charge Monday through Thursday evenings in Franklin.

Ruppert is an English as a Second Language instructor at Southwestern Community College, and for five years, she has dedicated herself to helping others communicate better in English.

"Most foreigners have had some English courses in their schooling," said Ruppert. "But they seek out our services to help them become more proficient. Now that's impressive."

Jorge Adame of Rio Brava and George Luna of Mexico City are two such students.

Adame, who has lived in Franklin for two years, began taking ESL classes with Ruppert about six months ago, and says that the courses have helped him communicate better in various situations.

"I work construction in Highlands, and I can now communicate better at work and at stores," said Adame.

Luna, who has lived in Franklin for seven years and builds furniture in Highlands, has taken ESL classes for several years.

"I want to learn to write and read as perfectly as possible," said Luna. "The classes have helped me communicate better in English and become better at using a computer."

Ruppert smiles as she talks about the two men.

"They are both very special to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet them and help them."

Southwestern Community College offers ESL classes free of charge from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Macon Center, and from 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Saint Francis Catholic Church. For more information on ESL classes, call 369-7331.

See SCC class schedules

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