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ESOL tutor Abdi Hamid makes Cascade home

Photos and story by Abe Proctor

When Abdi Hamid arrived in the United States from Ethiopia five years ago, his grasp of English was tenuous to say the least. After a brief sojourn to Atlanta, he found his way to Portland’s growing community of Ethiopian immigrants and, eventually, to Cascade Campus to pursue an education.

But he still needed to learn English. Like many others in his situation, he enrolled in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at the Cascade Campus. Surrounded by others who were also struggling to learn the language, he felt a camaraderie with his fellow students and quickly began to make progress.

Instructor Diedre Cain noticed his progress and made a proposition to Abdi. Would he perhaps be interested in tutoring his fellow ESOL students?

“I was very surprised,” Abdi recalled, “but I said yes. When she introduced me to the other students as their tutor, I thought, ‘I don’t deserve this.’ ”

Despite his doubts, Abdi pressed on.

“I decided that I would only help them with the things I know,” he said. “That way, I would be fine. I told them ‘I am not an ESOL instructor, but I will help you. And I will learn from you too.’ ”

The decision turned out to be a very good one. Abdi proved to be a talented tutor, and the act of helping to educate his peers made his own English better. He credits his success to his own experience as a new immigrant, which helps him to empathize with his fellow students.

“I really enjoy tutoring,” he explained. “I myself went through the same experience, I know exactly how they feel. The ESOL teachers know how to teach very well, but they don’t always know how their students feel. It makes me very happy to be able to help out other immigrants.

“And they also pay you!” he added, laughing.

Seeing the way he was flourishing as a tutor, his GED instructor suggested he bolster his future college scholarship prospects by volunteering in the community.

Abdi, who aspires to a career in a medical-related field, took her advice. He now volunteers in the emergency room at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, where he helps patients get admitted to the ER – and soaks up the terminology and culture of American medicine.

“I have improved my English and earned my GED,” he said. “And I see a good future for myself. I am ready to step up to my career.”

Now in his first full year as a С��è��ý student, Abdi plans to transfer to Portland State University once he earns his associate’s degree. Wherever he ends up, though, he said he’ll never forget the positive experience he has had at Cascade Campus.

“Cascade for me is like my second home,” he said. “This is the first college I have ever attended, and I live close by. I have made many friends, and I have good relationships with my instructors. Immigrants have many challenges, but if you focus on your education, if you are steadfast, you will achieve your goal.”