Remember when you first heard about DNA replication, cellular structure and photosynthesis? That’s a lot to handle! Now imagine hearing about it for the first time in a language other than your mother tongue and that you are learning at the same time.
This is the situation of some Hispanic teenage girls at a high school close to the Duke Marine Lab. Enter their English as a Second Language Program that has reached out to the community for Spanish-speaking volunteers and Maria joined them for this academic year. Every Thursday they meet and review new scientific concepts they have been taught in class. Topics range from ionic and covalent bounds to the scientific method and the genetic code. These are subjects that Maria enjoys and having the opportunity to help people understand them better is immensely rewarding.
Furthermore, Maria was invited this week to their international club meeting. Another DUML PhD international student (Megumi) joined her (pictured below) and they both spoke to the students about their countries’ culture and history. It has been an exceptionally rewarding experience for all.
