Moving to a new country can feel daunting, and taking steps to learn a second language requires courage, patience and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone. Many choose to take that leap with English as a Second Language (ESL) courses offered through community colleges. Rowan College at Burlington County is no exception – providing small ESL classes that offer personalized attention with patient and experienced instructors. 

As part of RCBC adjunct Paige Silva’s ESL Reading Level I course, students visit the college’s library to check out books on their individual reading levels. During one such occasion, when she realized that her students did not yet have their student ID cards, Silva did what most of us would do and rerouted the trip to Public Safety to help her students get what they needed. 

“When we went down to Public Safety and started filling out forms, I noticed that my students were struggling to find their information and complete the forms,” Silva recalled. “A student by the name of Nurcan Yilmaz came to the rescue. She was standing behind my class, patiently waiting to get herself an ID card. She jumped right in and helped my students get what they needed (ID cards, parking passes and course textbooks). She was so patient and helpful and knew I needed some support in helping and directing my students. I am forever grateful for her. My students accomplished a lot that class because of her help and guidance.”

Although Yilmaz was initially reluctant to intervene, she couldn’t help but notice that the students were speaking Turkish, a language (in addition to Korean) in which she is fluent. Yilmaz’ simple act of selflessness allowed her peers to successfully complete their paperwork and be on their way toward getting the books they needed. 

Although she was born and raised in New Jersey, Yilmaz has roots in both South Korea and Turkey. In fact, her maternal grandmother still lives in the small village of Yaglidere, Turkey. Yaglidere, an agricultural district, is peppered with hillsides holding hazelnuts, fruit trees, chestnuts and other deciduous trees. Over the years, the United States has welcomed tens of thousands of immigrants from the small town – primarily to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware. 

Yilmaz chose to study chemical engineering at RCBC because she wanted to take part in the college’s 2+2 program which provides a seamless path for students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree from Rowan University. 

“I was influenced by many people in the chemistry industry which led me to study chemistry,” Yilmaz shared. “Not only did I want to pursue chemistry, but I was also into engineering, so once I heard there was a field for chemical engineering, I seized the opportunity!” 

Yilmaz hopes to find laboratory work and earn an internship with a solid company. As for her experiences at RCBC, she recalled memorable moments making new friends while gaining knowledge in the field of her choice. Outside of college, she enjoys reading, baking, shopping and traveling. 

“We go back to Turkey every summer we can!” 

To learn more about RCBC’s ESL program, visit rcbc.edu/esl. To learn more about their partnership with Rowan University, visit rcbc.edu/rowan.