Literacy for Life: Language helps workers advance in careers

When Jazmin Rodriguez started washing dishes at Grandma Hattie's four years ago, it was just a way to make money. She could stay hidden away in the back of the Carson City restaurant and communicate in Spanish with her co-workers in the kitchen.

As she got comfortable in the job, however, she started thinking of ways she could advance. But because she barely spoke English, she was limited in what she

could do.

Restaurant owner John Hurzel wanted to help her, but didn't know how. He shared his dilemma with longtime customer Florence Phillips, who came up with a solution.

Phillips, a former Peace Corps volunteer, started a home-based tutoring program in Carson City five years ago to teach people to speak, read and write in English.

She suggested she could hold a weekly class at the restaurant to help employees improve their language skills.

Hurzel quickly agreed.

"Here you have some hard-working employees that want to better themselves and aren't afraid to learn something new," he said. "This was an opportunity for what I feel are valuable employees to excel."

Rodriguez said the program has helped her "100 percent," even outside the job: "When I'm going shopping or to a doctor's appointment, now I can make an appointment over the phone."

As her English has improved, so have her duties at the restaurant.

She moved up from dishwasher to cook, where she learned the names of the different dishes served. That experience prepared her to become a waitress, where tips have supplemented her income.

"It was a natural transition out on to the floor," Hurzel explained. "She's really excelled at it."

Maria Molina also has taken advantage of the tutoring program at work. She, too, started as a dishwasher three years ago, and has now moved up to hostess.

"I have conversations with customers, and I can learn more," she said. She moved to the United States from Mexico five years ago, "for a better opportunity for my children, and a better job for me."

Learning English, she said, is going to help her reach those goals for herself and her two sons, ages 13 and 8. Eventually, she said, she would like to start taking classes at Western Nevada College in art or nursing.

As they gain more confidence, they are more willing to ask customers to speak more slowly. They can also be more helpful in their interactions.

"Now if someone asks how to get to the DMV or the post office, I can tell them," Rodriguez explains.

For Hurzel, supporting his employees and the community is just the way he does business. He has other programs to help employees pass needed health department exams and often mentors students in the high school culinary arts program, among other community services.

"I try to invest in my employees in all aspects," he said.

Although the program isn't easy - Rodriguez says they are often given homework to complete and that Phillips is quick to correct any grammatical errors they make in speech or writing - it's worth the effort.

Hurzel, too, sees the benefits.

"For me, it's a good mix," he said. "They're cross-trained throughout the restaurant. In this economy, it's good to have employees that can do more than one function."