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English as a Second
Language Courses Gain Popularity
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| Michael Zamora was a professional dancer, appearing on the television show This is My Family broadcast in Spain a few years ago. He decided to make a change and come to the United States last year to work with a well-known choreographer in Hollywood, California, dancing at The Edge and The Millennium studios. His journey has led him to SCCC, specifically the third floor of Elston Hall On Monday and Wednesday evenings. He is one of 15 students in Adjunct Faculty Member Rukhsana Dawlatzai's non-credit English as a Second Language (ESL) course. |
| Michael wanted to practice English. According to the 22 year-old Schenectady resident, "I want to go to college. I know how to write and how to read, but need more vocabulary". He added that he college was a goal of his even when dancing. His grandparents live in Schenectady, so he chose to relocate to the Electric City and pursue a college education. |
| "I can always go back to Spain and dance. I want to have a degree also," Michael said. After completing the ESL course, he is interested in enrolling at SCCC and majoring in Computer Science. |
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This
fall, the number of students taking ESL courses at SCCC has more
than tripled from six to 30 students between last
spring and this fall. The course was approved by SUNY for state aid
and, as a result, the tuition has dropped considerably from $142 last
spring to $50 this
fall. The reduction in cost has made the course more affordable for
those in need. 
ESL
is appropriate for students who are new to this country and have difficulty
reading, writing or speaking English, and for students who need to refine
their English skills. Due to a combination of group and individual
lessons, students are able to learn at their own skill level.