Joe Cosco, ReEstablish Richmond Volunteer

I came to the United States as an immigrant child, and thanks to all the helping hands along the way, I found here my American Dream. So, when I retired as a professor of English, I wanted to work with refugees who are seeking a similar dream but confront much greater challenges than I had faced. What better way to impact someone’s life than helping them to develop the English language skills so critical to adjustment and success in a new world?

A Google search led me to ReEstablish Richmond, where I received some valuable training and was then offered the opportunity to serve as a tutor/mentor for a young man from the African country of Eritrea. Personal and historical connections made this a perfect match for me. It was my native Italy that had colonized Eritrea in the 19th and 20th centuries, in the process creating some of the problems that have plagued this small East African nation ever since.

I was introduced to a delightful 20-year-old who was very keen to improve his English skills. Working together over the past year, I confess that we both wish progress would come more quickly. But he has steadily moved forward, as his confidence with our language has continued to grow.

I’m constantly impressed with his determination to become more fluent. I’m moved by his effort to send money back to his mother in Africa every month, despite his limited financial resources. I’m pleased that he wants to apply for American citizenship as soon as he is eligible. And I can’t help but be touched by his frequent expressions of gratitude to me and to ReEstablish Richmond.

“Hi! Mr Joe!” he said in a recent text message. “Thank you very much for the amazing support!! And god blessed you beloved!!!” However, it is I who should be thanking him for the rich, rewarding experience of working together and getting to know him. Thank you, too, ReEstablish Richmond, for this opportunity to give back to the community and make an impact, one person at a time.

Meet our Volunteer: Joe Cosco