The ELI Student of the Month series is designed to honor students who demonstrate outstanding commitment and enthusiasm in ELI courses. 

Carmela A. Romano Gillette nominated Ruthie Dignan for her work in the ELI 390 Community-Engaged Learning in ESL Teaching Contexts. She notes, “The course, Community-Engaged Learning in ESL Teaching Contexts, requires students to perform twenty hours of service with English language learners. Ruthie chose to work in multiple classrooms as a teaching assistant and peer mentor for international students, including a course that I taught. Via her reflections on this experience, I can see that Ruthie is thoughtfully applying the theory examined in class to the real-world situations of the students with whom she is working. She thoughtfully plans for the sessions in which she works with small groups from the class to be sure that the activities and topics will be meaningful for the students. She has also learned the importance of listening to students, acknowledging the abilities they bring to the session and allowing for their agency in the process. Through this experience, she has broadened her understanding of what it means to be a language learner and has also built upon her capabilities for working with learners.” Congratulations, Ruthie! 
 

Name: Ruthie Dignan

Home Country: USA

Degree Program and Area of Research: B.A. in Comparative Literature and Education

What inspired you to take a class at the English Language Institute? I grew up idolizing my teachers – in many ways, I believe that every teacher I have had so far has helped shape my character. I decided to take ELI 390 to approach teaching from a new perspective, from the perspective of someone who is facilitating the discussion instead of just participating. Even if I was able to help someone for as little as 30 seconds, I will forever be grateful for being given the opportunity to experience all of the wonderful moments that I did.

What have you enjoyed the most about your class? Why? I looked forward to every interaction I was lucky enough to have with every student I worked with. No two countries are completely alike, and I adored listening to every small fact I was able to learn about everyones' lives – even if it was as trivial as their favorite candy from their hometown!

What do you hope to do after graduating from Michigan? I plan on possibly becoming a teaching assistant before pursuing my master's degree. Ultimately, I want to foster a warm classroom in which every student feels welcome and optimistic to return to everyday.

What advice would you give to other international students at U-M? Communication looks different for everyone! Never feel self conscious if you don't sound exactly like someone else when you speak, or if it's easier to pronounce certain words in your own way. Embrace your ability to overcome the difficulties of speaking multiple languages!