When one door closes, another opens"

What I couldn't forsee when I walked through this open door was that I would enter a wonderful new world where the love of learning flourishes, where wisdom, kindness, and humor could conquer the daunting challenge of mastering a strange language.

 

Here, in this library, I have learned much about other cultures; I am honored when enthusiasm greets me as I describe bits of my ancestral heritage. Although our native languages may be vastly different, it is through language we come to realize that we, the people, are not so very different after all. However, even when a noticeable cultural divide exists, language helps uncover the magic within our societies that breaks down barriers to understanding and respect. Above all, I hope I can continue to impart my delight in walking through my library's open door to help newcomers to the United States develop the skill necessary in using our difficult--often illogical--language that will lead them to broadened, positive experiences in our world, the United States.

 

The open-door metaphor expresses my pleasure and thrill of discovery not only in tutoring English , but also coincidentally expanding the social circle of friends my husband and I enjoy enabled by the Paramus public library and its LVA program.

Garry, Fair Lawn- Paramus Public Library