Hyxia Grande had always been surrounded by English speakers due to her previous work experiences in human resources, but since moving to Gainesville to study English at UF, she was motivated to fully submerge in the language to have a better chance at labor opportunities.
Grande is one of the many students enrolled in the Latina Women’s League English Immersion program, a program aiming to “provide and gain experience in English conversations, expand your horizons and contribute to the growth of our community,” according to its website.
“I have lived in many countries, and I have always been able to work for international companies because I knew english,” the 47-year-old student said. “I came here to hopefully clear any doubts that I have.”
On Jan. 21, the league started its Spring term, in which it will be providing English lessons at the beginner and intermediate levels over the course of four months.
Although the league sees new faces every term, the immersion program has been active for over two decades.
“We have been teaching this course for over 20 years,” said Ericka Ghersi, president of the Latina Women's League. “The necessity for courses like these is so big that most of the places that have ever hosted us, like churches or libraries, start their own English class after we leave.”
The current class consists of approximately 15 students, each ranging in different English capability levels. The lessons mainly focus on grammar, pronunciation and basic conversational skills.
The opportunity of learning a new language at no cost is a relief for many of the students attending the class, according to Ghersi.
“What we strive to do here at the league is to foment the desire to support the community, however we can, for free,” Ghersi said.
Maria Diaz, a 57-year-old student enrolled in the class, said the existence of programs like these is essential, as English is a ‘universal language.’ Being able to attend the lessons for free was an added bonus for her, she said.
“I have always been fond of the English language, and I feel it is important to learn in order to communicate with others,” she said. “Without it, you are somewhat walking in the dark.”
With help from the Latina Women’s League, various students who attend the lessons have mentioned feeling more comfortable and safe to speak and practice English outside of their homes.
The classes are taught by volunteers, many of them students at UF.
“A lot of my relatives don’t speak English, so in an indirect way I have felt the consequences of not knowing the dominant language in a society,” said Elijah Zarsadias, a 20-year-old UF linguistics and French junior.
The lessons are Spanish-based, followed by the gradual implementation of English. Although most of the students who attend the lessons are Spanish speakers, the class is open to anyone who wants to learn.
Leticia Makiyama is a 41-year-old mother from Brazil, and although she does not speak Spanish and her native language is Portuguese, she felt the need to learn English after moving to Gainesville for her husband’s doctorate degree.
“It has been very limiting,” she said when referring to living in Gainesville without knowing English.
Daniela Gray, a 20-year-old dual languages and international studies junior at UF, is the volunteer coordinator of the program and has been volunteering for the Latina Women’s League for three semesters. Gray currently teaches the beginner level course.
“I am a big believer that when you live somewhere, it’s good to connect with people, and the best way to connect is by helping,” she said.
The classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Creekside Community Church. The Latina Women’s League also offers other classes and events for the community, such as children’s Spanish-language storytelling sessions, workshops on health education issues and training classes on the typical American lifestyle.
Contact Gabriella Chavez at gchavez@alligator.org. Follow her on X @gabriellach19
