Why do I volunteer in the One to One Program of the S.F.-based Jewish Family and Children’s Services to help new Russian immigrants improve their English?
Is it because it is fun? It is. Is it because I feel appreciated? Oh yes! Is it because it is a challenge to help these educated people, one of whom asked me, “What means ‘oh boy’?” Sure. Is it because their experiences and fears are so different than mine? Yes and no.
One of my “husbands” was so proud of his new car. With only a learners permit, he nicked the adjacent car while trying to park. He was panicked when a policeman appeared, but I arrived at the same time and explained to the officer’s satisfaction what had happened.
The policeman merely gave him a form on which to list his name, address, etc., and told him to leave it on the windshield of the car. We took the form to complete at his home across the street, but first he called a friend, who advised him not to do it. An hour later, the policeman and the irate owner of the car rang the doorbell, and a citation was issued. The sheer terror in his eyes was palpable.
Do I volunteer because I so often feel “there but for the grace of God go I”? My parents immigrated from Russia, and I was born here. It was easy for me to learn English, easy to go to college, easy to get a job. I’m not afraid of policemen.