Joann Lee: Bridging Language Barriers With Compassion
As a dedicated VOA Colorado volunteer, Joanne Lee was faced with a unique challenge during the school year when her classroom received an influx of students who didn’t speak English as their first language. One student, a young boy from South America, stood out to Joanne. He spoke only Spanish, and even the Spanish-speaking staff found it difficult to communicate due to cultural language differences. Joanne noticed that the boy had become withdrawn, unsure of how to connect with his classmates and teachers. He seemed isolated, unable to express himself. But during recess one day, Joanne—whom the students lovingly call…