Our class in Olympia

On Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010, our ESL Class from the Puget Sound Training Center participated in the Refugee and Immigrant Legislative Day, which was organized by REWA, the Refugee Woman’s Alliance. Our day started at about 9:00 a.m., when we boarded a coach bus provided by REWA. We shared the ride to Olympia with people from the Somali Community Services, and a few students were excited to meet their friends on the bus. We arrived in Olympia, and took some photos outside a monument, which impressed the students. The students then chose some signs provided by REWA with various messages on them relating to refugee and immigrant rights, education, health care, etc. and we walked to the steps of the legislative building where many people were gathered. It was too early for the rally, so we went into the building. The student had to leave their signs outside for security reasons. The students admired the grandeur of the Legislative Building, and rushed up to something I could not see. They were huddled around the guest book, eager to write their names, address, and comments. We explored the building. We wandered through the rotunda and upstairs to the Senate and House. We were able to see into the senate floor, which was not in session. Then we headed outside and participated in the demonstration. There were people from many different countries participating, and some of the students saw their friends. One student was surprised to see her first ESL teacher. There were some speeches given by immigrants, including a legislator from Korea who only knew one word when he came to the U.S.—“apple pie.” Then we had lunch in the cafeteria. Each student had $5 to spend. After lunch, we rushed over to another building for a meeting with Representative Reuven Carlyle. We filled his office and the students spoke with him. They told him about the challenges in their lives, which we had rehearsed the day before. Then we rushed back to the bus, and headed back to Renton.

Samantha Nelson, ESL Instructor, RTC