(PHOENIX, AZ) Learning a new language is not easy. For many language learners, it takes years of dedication, practice, and hard work to successfully communicate in a language different from one’s native, mother tongue. However, for Phoenix College ESL Student Success Specialist, Yishu Li, she has not only mastered the English language, but she is also using her gift to help other ESL students at Phoenix College.
To her peers, Yishu, better known as “Kay,” has served as an ESL specialist at Phoenix College for two semesters. In this role, Kay assists ESL instructor Christy Skeen and serves as a tutor to support students.
“The students absolutely love having Kay in the classroom,” said Skeen. “As a former Phoenix College ESL student, Kay is a valuable resource to my students, both inside and outside of the classroom. She not only answers questions about language and grammar, but she also helps students to navigate essential college resources like advisement and financial aid.”
While Kay is certainly confident in her role as a Student Success Specialist, this was not always the case. In 2017, Kay moved to Phoenix, Arizona, from Yantai, Shandong Province, China.
“When I first got here, I was very nervous and couldn’t understand anything,” she said. “But, when I found something that I was interested in and watched it in English, this was very helpful. I encourage all ESL students to do this.”
Kay also encourages English language learners to move away from their comfort zones and embrace the college environment. There are many resources available to ESL students at Phoenix College.
“It is so important to practice English every day and find English-speaking friends” Kay adds. “For example, in addition to taking ESL classes, I encourage students to join the college’s Conversation Circles.”
In 2017, Kay enrolled in Level IV English-as-a-Second Language classes at Phoenix College and participated in Conversation Circles. In May 2019, she graduated from Phoenix College and was accepted into ASU’s Barrett, The Honors College.
Kay has successfully managed her life as an honor student at ASU while also working part-time to provide other English language learners an opportunity to thrive in their new environment at Phoenix College.
The ESL program at Phoenix College offers students one of the most diverse language learning programs in Arizona. Our ESL students come from more than 100 different countries, speaking 50 different languages. Additionally, the ESL Program at Phoenix College offers the most variety of classes of any of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District from basic English to Freshman Composition and Research. Students may enroll in Summer and Fall ESL classes now by going to www.phoenixcollege.edu/esl or calling (602) 285-737