Meet Our Volunteer: Molly McSweeney
Having worked with international education programs in the U.S. and abroad for more than a decade, I consider myself a global educator. But really, through volunteering with ReEstablish Richmond, I am a global learner. Originally from the Richmond area and having moved away and come back to my roots to visit as well as to work and live a few times, I am amazed at how much the city and state have changed during my lifetime. To an outsider, this may seem like a very slow change. However, Richmond in particular and Virginia, in general, have changed – and continue to change – and these transformations offer enriching opportunities to learn from and grow together with our newest neighbors. For that, I am truly grateful to ReEstablish Richmond as it supports volunteers in connecting with newcomers to establish roots, build community, and become self-sufficient. What may seem like a one-way mission is really an eye-opening invitation for exchange.
Last year, my husband and I moved back to the area and I was excited to get to know my hometown again. Some of the friends that I’ve met while living in other places have since made Richmond their home, and I am always curious to know “RVA” through their eyes. When I learned about the opportunity to get to know Richmond through ReEstablish Richmond and the clients they support, I was intrigued all the more. What an inspiring way for me to expand my worldview, right here in my hometown!
My journey volunteering with ReEstablish Richmond started only last fall, but during this time I have witnessed the work that they are doing in a range of ways. In January and February, I had the fortune to help organize the 2nd annual Refugee and Immigrant Volunteer Summit. Since last fall, I have also had the pleasure to support two women from Afghanistan in their goal to learn English. They have both taught me an immense amount.
My more recent ESL adventures brought an especially heartwarming opportunity for exchange. As COVID-19 has shifted in-person lessons to an online Zoom space, Sheeba and I meet weekly to find ways for her to sharpen her writing skills in order for her to progress through her ESL program and accounting studies at community college as she also searches for a job. This of course involves practicing grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Finding ways to balance this with “lighter activities,” like learning the words to “Stand by Me” with subtitles was a highlight, for sure. Also, seeking opportunities to learn from Sheeba about her life experiences and dreams helps me better know and support her as she reaches her goals.
Last week, Sheeba shared with me some memories from her life in Afghanistan, as well as what she would really like to do if she weren’t studying accounting. She recently rediscovered her love of photography and decorating, she told me, as we then launched into a conversation about how she could one day start her own business.
These connections and dreams are what make us human, especially during a time when we are not able to come together in person and are unsure about what the future holds. The chance to dream and to share our experiences binds us together, and to me, this is a perfect example of the work that ReEstablish Richmond makes possible. I commented recently to ReEstablish Richmond staff, the work that they do to support both volunteers and clients is critical to building a more sustainable and just world, including right here in Richmond. I feel lucky to be a part of it. Thank you, ReEstablish Richmond, from a quasi-lifelong Richmonder and global learner!