Keeping in touch
At WAL’s Intensive English Program, we meet new students from faraway countries every 5 weeks. We spend time together as a group, and build a bond with them, and then POOF! Some leave right after their one-session stay, and we don’t always hear back from them or know how they are doing once they return home. It can be quite sad, actually.
But thank goodness for the internet and EMAIL!
In the past, we would have to send a fax, letter, or postcard to stay in touch. Today, there’s email, social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook, blogs (like this one!) and yes – phone calls and “snail” mail still works.
So, I am so happy when students offer me their email addresses at the top of each new session, so that we can keep in touch anywhere, anytime. I personally like keeping their email addresses even after they leave – because I think it will be the main bloodline or link that keeps us connected – even if it’s for a short time only. Just a quick note back and forth, a holiday wish at Christmas time, or a short story or update, really keeps the bond between us strong and intact.
For example, we got a surprise Facebook message recently from Angela. Angela is from Brazil and studied English at WAL in the late 90’s. Eventually, she married Christian, another former WAL student, who is from Switzerland (Yes, sometimes love stories like these begin at WAL, but that’s another story for later!). Her message showed photos of their family – now with two beautiful little boys accompanying the beaming WAL alumni couple. How great! It’s fun keeping in touch with everyone.
And that’s the beauty of communication and friendship. Whether we’re near or far, it can linger on and be nurtured through time and space. And that, my friends, makes it all worth it.
Debbie Chan, WAL Activities