[Part 1 of the interview can be accessed here.]
ESL Link: What is the most rewarding thing in your teaching or tutoring?
AU: Relationships. These people become friends. You have good companions. They ask you, they task you. You build relationships. I personally don’t like to teach in groups. I don’t think group teaching is very effective. Not what I want to do. Because they ask me questions… Most of my students go to other classes – I’m not their only teacher; and I have no problem with it. But to me they come to ask questions, which is very good.
I should tell you: when I came to England, I didn’t know English. So I found a teacher in town and every week I would go and he would help me. I’m now doing it to others. I had to pay him… I’m doing it for free.
ESL Link: What is one thing that is challenging for you?
AU: It is good to have relationships but I’d like to see progress. That they learn the language and that they can use it. And that they learn the culture – as it’s not only English, it is also the Western, Canadian culture. So many little details they don’t know about life here. To see them grow is a challenge.
ESL Link: I guess it takes time…
AU: I’ve one student who’s with me 5 years, and she takes 6 hours’ lesson every week. I keep telling her to get a better teacher… Anyway she goes to other classes. Very determined to learn.
ESL Link: So you see her grow?
AU: Yes I can see growth. Very slow… she’s 62 and doesn’t grow as fast.
ESL Link: What would you say to those who are volunteering to teach ESL. Some may be only starting out.
AU: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Love the people, respect them. These people have to be accepted. You have to treat them with respect. Very often I ask them what they want to do, so they have the freedom to do what they want to. You know we’re Christians. We love people. We accept them. They feel it, and they come on.
ESL Link: I’d like to ask about your faith. How do you put your faith into action in teaching English?
AU: I do not push religion. So if the discussion comes to a point of moral values, I’d say what I believe, but I also ask them what they believe. My students of 5 years is not a believer. But she said she’s thankful to God, that God is caring for her life. And I said that’s the first step. I don’t push religion, but I’m a very strong believer. There are moral values and other values that I teach, this is right, this is wrong. It’s now up to them… But I have no problem of them accusing me of pushing religion.
ESL Link: I guess that’s a good way, integrating it into our love and respect for them.
AU: They should know that I’m a Christian; they should know. If you do what I do, you’ll be alright.
ESL Link: It’s good that you set a very good example.
AU: You know in my own life, there were 40 years of my adult years I wasn’t a Christian. I only accepted Christ at the age of 60. Before that, I was a Roman Catholic for 12 years. When I was at university I kind of dropped it. I’m a Christian because it’s the truth. I’m not like indoctrinated. It’s a conviction.
I’m very happy because all my family are Christian. Actually my daughter introduced me to Christianity. She’s a better Christian than me. I’m just trying to catch up.
ESL Link: Very good model now to all of us both in the way you keep busy and healthy and in your passion for other people.
AU: I don’t care; they come to me and have questions. I’ve no problem; I’m like a grandfather to them.
ESL Link: How do you keep healthy and active in your age and what advice would you give to those who are younger?
AU: Number one I’m always busy. I always looked after healthy eating. I never drank or smoked. I always looked after my body.
When I was retiring, my friend said you’re going to die within one year. And I said why? He said because you’re workaholic. So I opened my own company, I worked for 5 years and didn’t make a penny. So I closed the company. My upbringing gave me this attitude of winning. I don’t give up. I’d like to be successful – not money-wise.
ESL Link: And how would you give advice to younger people?
AU: Take pride in what you do and do it for the Lord. Nothing is worth doing unless you’re putting in 100% of what you got. If you’re putting less than 100%, you’re cheating somebody. Do what you can, and the Lord will help you.
As a soldier I was told to fight to the last bullet. I guess 94 is the last bullet. I don’t know how long I’m going to live. It’s not important, it really doesn’t matter to me because I’m ready to go. I give it all I have and maybe somebody can benefit.
ESL Link: Thank you so much, Andrew. It’s very encouraging and inspiring to all of us.