Solomon Wang’s mantra is “Learning is achieved when you take one step at a time and never
give up.” His mastery of English and Mandarin and knowledge of Japanese and Swedish proves
that he knows firsthand that learning takes time. But the rewards are worth it, as he’s impressed
upon Project Light (PL) adults.
Solomon found out about PL five years after relocating from Washington, D.C. Wanting to
improve his English, he researched the web and found the school. He completed the placement
test quickly, after which, Executive Director Elena Farkas approached him, realizing that he
would be an excellent candidate for a teaching position in one of the schools intermediate
classes.
Elena says, “This opportunity allowed Solomon to enhance his English skills while using his
extensive business expertise, training experience, motivational skills, and incredible sense of
humor.” (See https://www.linkedin.com/in/solomonzywang/).
Solomon’s learners are grateful to have had him as a teacher. Gendry, an adult in Solomon’s
Level 3 English class says, “I know I am. The class was a great time to learn new techniques and
skills that I use every day, doing electrical work, drywall, and furniture building. He’s passionate
about teaching.”
Gendry continues: “I had a solid understanding of English, but what made his class special was
that Mr. Solomon challenged me to be better. He used different teaching strategies and shared his
knowledge.”
Gendry remember an occasion he received a score on a test:
“Solomon said, ‘You answered everything well, but if I give you the best grade, you wouldn't
have space to improve, and you always have space to improve.’”
Elena has recently invited Solomon to join the board. Striving to learn about his new position, he
exemplifies that you must have a foundation on which to achieve your objectives. Steadily, he’s
established goals that he’s determined to achieve.
Elena continues to boost Solomon’s intentions to learn everything about the school and its donors
by giving him an opportunity to attend fund raisers, which she says, “He’s also fostered a
positive atmosphere by hosting volunteer teacher parties at his home, attending school
fundraisers, and donating to PL’s mission and causes.”
Elena is confident that bringing Solomon onto the board is a strategic move, as it provides him
with invaluable experience in understanding the educational environment of the school.
Impressed by his business acumen, knowledgeable and skilled approach to marketing, knack for
developing networks, and sociable demeanor, Elena says, “He’s an ideal fit for both the school's

environment and the board, enabling him to continue to contribute to the school’s mission effectively.”
Many agree with Elena that PL is fortunate to have Solomon as a board member. His journey of persistence in building a career in a new country serves as a powerful example of determination and resilience for our learners—one step at a time. And he’ll never give up!

 Tell us about Level 3 of the Interchange Cambridge series.

The course covers a range of topics related to everyday life. Photos and illustration help students with vocabulary. To build their confidence, we talked about real-world experiences. There’s a workbook and a teacher edition.
 What did you like about teaching at PL?

It was rewarding because I helped others who needed and wanted the help. It also gave me a chance to practice my English. The PL team is friendly, and I felt that I had the opportunity to be independent and do whatever I felt was necessary like assemble tables so learners could interact
easily and share their knowledge. I also walked around the room, asking questions of and answering questions from my learners instead of standing in the front.

I used to provide training in leadership for several world-wide training organizations before PL. This nonprofit, however, is dedicated to helping immigrants learn English almost for free. They welcome all—like me—with a warm heart, wanting to make learning enjoyable and meaningful.
 How does your mastery of several languages help boost the PL mission?

I have experienced the difficulties of learning a new language so I understand the PL learners’ need to know and their frustration while learning. I now know to a certain degree Swedish, Japanese, and English in addition to my native language Mandarin. Also, as a PL board member, I’m more aware of the PL mission to help adult learners advance through English language proficiency, literacy, citizenship, and employment. The key is to
empower our adults so they can become more active in their community and help their children.

 In addition to being a certified professional trainer for several international training programs, how does your career in business management strengthen the board?

As a business leader, I believe I have the necessary foundation, which consists of three things:
(1) to identify the opportunities and challenges for new business cycle, (2) secure important resources like recruiting people, and (3) implement and review the actions and results to see whether goals were met.

 As a board member, what are your challenges? Rewards?

I’ve served on the board for only a few months, so my biggest challenge is to know (1) who our donors are, (2) why they donate? (3) what PL adults looking to learn? I want to help PL in any way I can and be successful. But I first must gain any knowledge related to the organization. My rewards have been seeing the dedication of other board members in their wanting PL and its learners succeed.

 What do you want to tell PL volunteer teachers? Learners?
To enable adults to learn better, facilitating is better than teaching. Teaching is just telling, which is not as effective as facilitating, especially when learners are adults. A facilitation skill is to organize the tables so learners can find learning partners instead of sitting in rows without
joining small teams. PL learners have different native languages and cultures. Having one or two learning partners with the same background can beef up their confidence and make learning more enjoyable.

Facilitating also gives learners confidence to want to learn more and help one another. I find that sharing with the class your personal success learning story is even more effective than “teaching”; the content.

Adult learners meet more challengers than children students. We are slow to understand; quick to forget. Our brains are drained after a full day’s work and worry. If necessary, wait a while and return to any challenges the following week, for instance. You’ll find that you understand more
than before. Persistence pays back! Learning takes time. But it also lasts a lifetime. Never give up!

 How is your advice about taking one step at a time helpful to you as a new board
member?

I’m still testing the waters. I listen carefully about the operation of the school during board meetings. Also, Elena has chosen me to attend fund raisers and other events so I can learn first-hand about Project Light, its learners, and partners in order to promote the organization to the
community.

Once I feel comfortable about the school, knowing about the market and our donors, I’ll move towards Step 2 by starting to raise questions to make other board members discuss and debate. A simple question like “What do you think” can be very helpful to our board because we can start
sharing new ideas by including them on our agenda.

 What would you like to share with those who are thinking about volunteering at PL?
Another nonprofit organization?

PL has a friendly team. Volunteering at PL is very encouraging and inspiring. It’s uplifting to teach for a nonprofit organization. Teaching also helps you improve. The best way to learn is to teach. But take small steps and you’ll achieve your goals.