Employee Spotlight - Chan Beattie
Forty years ago, Chan Beattie came to the United States from Hong Kong to study and earn her diploma. She still remembers the challenges trying to navigate the new culture, language, and academic system. In 2014, she visited the EvCC campus and was reminded of her experience as an English language learner. At that moment, she decided to explore her second career and today works as the Volunteer Literacy Program Coordinator at EvCC’s BRIDGES Center. Chan recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with students who need extra help in learning and improving their English and math skills. “We are very passionate about advocating and providing opportunities for our underserved populations,” she says. “We want to create an environment where students feel safe to learn, to make mistakes, and be part of our larger EvCC community.”
What is your current occupation/career?
My current career/position is Volunteer Literacy Program Coordinator at the BRIDGES Center at EvCC. I recruit, train, and match volunteers with students who need extra help in learning and improving their English and math skills.
How did you choose EvCC?
Forty years ago, I came to the U.S. from Hong Kong as an international student to study and earn my diploma. To this day, even though I had some knowledge of the English language, I still remember the challenges I faced trying to navigate the new culture, language, and the new academic system. With my personal experience, my goal was to work in an area where I could help students whose second, third or even fourth language is English. My first visit to EvCC was Winter 2014. My husband had an interview with WSU and I came along for the trip. We stopped at the cafeteria for a quick lunch and the sound of various languages being spoken and the energy in the dining area reminded me of my own experiences as an English language learner. At that moment, I decided to explore my second career option at EvCC.
Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?
Yes, I enjoy working with my tutors in helping our students and it is very rewarding. I will become an ESL or basic Math volunteer when it's time for me to retire. Our students have their unique experiences and stories; therefore, each student has different needs.
Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?
As far as a mentor, I have a director who is very passionate about advocating and providing opportunities for our underserved populations. She is very inspiring.
What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?
My advice to EvCC students would be:
- Utilize all the resources that are available to you.
- Classrooms are safe places to learn, to make mistakes, and to build your experience and community.
- Explore and challenge yourself.
- Take risk and build resilience.
At BRIDGES Center/Volunteer Literacy Program, we want to create a safe environment where students feel safe to learn, to make mistakes and be part of our larger EvCC community.
During my time at EvCC, I have come across students dropping out of classes due to the following reasons:
- Lack of money for books. Even though tuition is only $25.00 for TS classes, they can't afford the cost of textbooks. For example, TS 76 math book without online access is $196.00.
- Lack of money for classroom supplies, such as a calculator or computer rental.
- Lack of money for purchasing an ORCA card.
- Lack of money for transportation.
To help students with books, supplies, and other necessary fees to be successful in the classroom, we are continuously reaching out to our EvCC staff and faculty, as well as our local businesses and community members for contributions in supporting our students' success so they can be contributing part to their own communities.