As a dedicated VOA Colorado volunteer, Joanne Lee was faced with a unique challenge during the school year when her classroom received an influx of students who didn’t speak English as their first language. One student, a young boy from South America, stood out to Joanne. He spoke only Spanish, and even the Spanish-speaking staff found it difficult to communicate due to cultural language differences.
Joanne noticed that the boy had become withdrawn, unsure of how to connect with his classmates and teachers. He seemed isolated, unable to express himself. But during recess one day, Joanne—whom the students lovingly call Grandma Jo Ann—sat beside him. Despite the language barrier, she smiled, pointed to things around the playground, and talked to him in English, just as she would with any other student.
To her surprise, the boy responded, speaking to Joanne in his own language, and together, they had a conversation. While neither could fully understand the other’s words, their connection was real, and the boy began to open up.
From that moment, Joanne continued to support him, helping him with his schoolwork and guiding him to make friends. Over time, his mood brightened, and he found joy in the classroom. Joanne believes that having an open mind and a willingness to listen—without judgment—is the key to building connections. Her story is a beautiful example of how compassion transcends language.
Want to make a difference like Joanne? Join VOA Colorado and help change lives through the power of kindness and understanding.
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