USU Moab ESL Graduates Gain Confidence, Community Connection

MOAB, Utah — Recent Utah State University Moab English as a Second Language students say they’ve already put invaluable skills learned in class to work building and strengthening their community ties.

USU Moab celebrated the graduation of its latest ESL class on Nov. 19. The nine-week intensive program served community members from a handful of countries including Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and Turkey, teaching essential language skills for daily independence.

According to ESL teacher Leticia Bentley, the Moab campus course offers much more to both the students and the community.

“Completing this 9-week intensive program meant much more than learning grammar or vocabulary — it meant confidence, independence, and dignity,” Bentley said. “These moments may seem small, but for our students, they represent life-changing progress and a new sense of belonging in the community.”

Graduates reported newfound abilities to navigate everyday tasks which previously felt overwhelming. Success stories ranged from a grandmother proudly ordering coffee and a doughnut by herself for the first time to a local cook having the confidence to expand her tamale business to English-speaking customers and taking telephone orders.

Bentley says one student even “received a promotion at work because he could communicate better and help his coworkers.”

The program also helps the community in other ways because it relies on volunteer tutors. Many of the volunteers are senior citizens who say they found renewed purpose and meaningful friendships through the cross-cultural exchange.

The course is welcoming, respectful, and open to students of all levels, even those starting without a word of English. The next course will begin on June 2. Learn more at moab.usu.edu.