Liza: I came to the Learning Center as a high school drop-out, having long lost hopes of any kind of academic future and hoping only to pass my GED exams. I felt pretty insecure having to ask for this kind of help as an adult, but Vera eliminated all my fears and inspired me to give learning another shot. ​The tutor himself turned out to be a lot more than just a teacher: Jim Haefner made me learn all the dreaded high school algebra in just a few dozen sessions, making math my new favorite subject. I aced my GEDs and college placement exam, and am now pursuing a college degree in Biology, something I considered impossible just a year ago ... Coming to CALC has really changed my life for the better!

Tia: Being a part of CALC was the best thing that happened to me. I was a high school dropout. After dropping out I went straight into the workforce; unfortunately I got hurt on the job. As part of my rehabilitation I was sent to CALC. I went in with a perspective of not knowing what this program was going to provide me. They proved me wrong! I’ve learned so many things; not only skills that helped me achieve my goal in getting my GED. CALC has also provided me with skills that helped me gain the confidence I needed to attend Hawaii Community College and earned two degrees in Early Childhood and Liberal Arts. CALC is such a caring and positive place for people that need that extra help in moving forward in life. To me CALC is a great program for the community and needs the financial support! Please help CALC to help others like me!

Kathy: I’m 64 years old and I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade. After working and raising a family, I wanted to get my GED, but thought it was impossible. I didn’t do well in school then, much less trying to pass 45 years later. Vera and the tutors here at CALC encouraged me and gave me hope. Jim and Janice worked with me over several months and did not give up on me. They have been excellent teachers and have been very patient with me. On my birthday(!), Nov. 14, 2018, I completed my GED. I’m so excited and very thankful for the volunteers at CALC. I could not have done it without them. Now I have the opportunity to continue to further my education. Thank you Jim, Janice and Vera.

Ting: Tutor Jim: I am very grateful to you for being my English teacher. Every time I go to class, I gain a lot of knowledge that I didn't know before. You taught me to be very patient and attentive. Every time I read English like a child, you will accompany me to read. I am very touched because you really want to help me improve my English skills. I feel that my current English ability is much better than when I first came to class.

Eunhee: I came to Hilo from Korea in 2001, but I didn’t have a chance to learn English. I began work as a tour guide when l came to Hawai’i, where I worked for 10 years . I had free time after that and I was lucky to find the English class at the library. My tutor is a very nice person and very patient. My English is improving day by day. My tutor’s name is Mr Haefner.

Claudine has been a tutor for over 10 years. She received a Certificate in Teaching ESL (English as a second language) from UHH in 2004 and is a retired librarian. At CALC she has taught reading and writing to individual students on a one to one basis as well as groups of ESL students. Currently, she teaches a class of adult ESL learners whose first language includes Japanese, Mandarin, or Taiwanese. In this class, her students focus on pronunciation of American English and conversational English, but study reading, writing, grammar, and listening as well. The main student goal is fluency in English so they can speak comfortably with native English speakers. They spend lots of time talking with each other, use a variety of textbooks, and have lots of fun while learning English.

Grace Nievarez plays several roles for CALC. First, she helps people learn how to navigate the internet, how to operate computers, tablets, and any other technological device. In addition, Grace uses computers and technology to tutor students as well. For example, she helps students study for their General Education Development (GED) test using technology, and uses internet resources to teach English to English as a Second Language (ESL) students too. Secondly, Grace is one of the administrative support staff for CALC. As a graduate of Sacramento State University and the International Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Academy, she is excited to help CALC students learn, grow, and achieve personal and academic success.

Melissa first became involved with CALC several months after its inception in 1991 as a homeschool student learning how to type and use computers. She advanced to tutoring ESL the following year, and has been involved in some way, shape, or form ever since. Melissa has served as a Tutor, Special Projects Coordinator, Project Assistant, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Program Manager, and now volunteers weekly with behind-the-scenes tasks, as well as manning the position of Secretary of the Board of Directors. Melissa is passionate about Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning, and says she will remain involved with CALC in any way she is needed as long as she draws breath on Hawaii Island!