Gale_CP#3

Gale Workman

CP#3

Sept. 4, 2014, 11 a.m.

Hecht House

Sepideh Alsvand from Iran greeted me in the Hecht House student lounge. We had never met or been introduced. She said she observed me earlier in the day when she was visiting CIES, seeking a Conversation Partner. Jasmine Carnell told her she'd have to wait because the CIES-enrolled students got first dibs. Sepideh is a second-year Ph.D. student at FSU and a TA in Human Sciences. She taught herself English via the Internet. She "passed" the TOEFL, got accepted into FSU's Ph.D. program.

Sepideh had observed me earlier in the lounge when I was talking with my assigned CPs. She said she liked the way I interacted with them, and she said my speech is easy to understand. So … she sought me out and pleaded with me to be her CP.

I explained I already had two CPs and seven tutees -- my plate was full. But she persisted. She’s a great gal ... someone who could become a friend. So, I agreed to meet with her Tuesdays at noon in the Hecht House lounge.

Our first hour flew by. Sepideh said her FSU students and professors have no trouble understanding her. She has no difficult accent, uses correct grammar and clear pronunciation. Sepideh shares an apartment with another Iranian student and an Indonesian student, but she doesn't socialize with them.

Sepideh asked about the English conversation classes Wednesday evening at the public library; she asked if she should attend. I work with the Library's literacy program and know those classes to be good. I encouraged her to attend at least one class to check it out.

Sepidah, 33, is outgoing and says she has unsuccessfully tried to meet Iranians in Tallahassee. She has already met two of the Afghan Fulbright students who live in her apartment complex -- both of whom I know to be excellent students, with good English skills.

How could I say "no" to a CP who is so intrinsically motivated to improve her English speaking? We’ll meet each Tuesday at 2 p.m.