Student Spotlight: Sofia Espin

Sofia, a Literacy NRV English language learner, was extremely nervous when she took the microphone during Literacy NRV’s recent Student-Volunteer Recognition Event to address more than 100 people.  

But she chose to face her fear in order to thank the volunteers who have made her English language learning possible.

“Thank you for having us in this place,” Sofia said to the crowd. “We are very grateful for the volunteers. They are doing a good job of teaching us English. We learn a lot from them -- not only about speaking English, reading and writing, but most importantly, we learn from them that they are very kind people.”

Sofia and her husband moved from the New River Valley from Ecuador to join her children. She admitted that, at first, she felt intimidated in her new community.

“I was always afraid of American people,” said Sofia. “But I have learned they are special people. Thank you so much for this opportunity -- and everything.”

Sofia, one of more than 300 English language learners served thus far by Literacy NRV, has been an active participant in ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes since May, 2025. 

Even though she studied English in Ecuador with Spanish speaking instructors, she struggled to understand Americans. “They speak very fast and with a different dialogue and it was so difficult.”  

She says she is now better able to communicate in English when she goes to the doctor.  She has improved her English skills to apply for jobs and is considering studying at New River Community College.

And she feels less lonely. 

“I consider myself a social person, but it is hard to be social in English because you can’t communicate,” she explained. “And now I don’t feel alone. I have met people who are American and the volunteers here in our classes are very friendly and kind and always smiling.”

“I feel more confident, and I feel good -- and that’s important,” she said.