William Gunn

I am involved in community service through the Worcester Adult Learning Center in Worcester MA. The WALC is part of the Worcester Public School System that caters to a specific need: post-college-age individuals that want to improve their career readiness and overall quality of life. The Center provides courses in everything from HiSet/GED preparation, to basic English (ESOL), to personal nutrition. My involvement began in January of 2021 when I joined the English Department’s “Conversation Buddies” program. As a “conversation buddy,” I had weekly Zoom discussions with students in early ESOL classes. These conversations brought me closer to my local Worcester community while helping students improve their ability to complete critical day-to-day tasks, such as going to the DMV or helping their children with school homework. The Conversation Buddies program ran throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, but once students could physically return to the classroom, I joined them. This time, I helped develop and deliver weekly ESOL lessons focused on developing the student’s technological competency. I was immediately attracted to the work and the impact that I could make in the lives of my students, and as such, I jumped at the chance to transition to a paid position starting in January of 2023. Now, instead of one hour per week, I work with students five hours per week. I expanded into developing and delivering bespoke lessons, this time to two separate classes. In addition to teaching, I now work directly with the Center’s Career Readiness Coordinator to help students craft resumes and navigate the job search process. I am particularly proud of a student who came and worked with me on his job search without fail for more than a month - he is now happily employed!

Worcester Adult Learning Center

Sep 2020 – Sep 2024