LitNet welcomes Miguel Silva as our newly appointed Learner Liaison. Originally from Colombia, Miguel came to the Berkshires with his family when he was 10 years old. He graduated locally from Monument Mountain High School.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, Miguel shares that he has, “benefited from knowing both languages in many different ways…communication abilities are a gift.” LitNet’s mission to transform lives through language, advocacy, and education speaks to Miguel. He shares that he feels, “it is important for immigrants to be able to build a connection with other people in the community who have their best interests at heart.” In his role, Miguel will form strong bonds of support and communication with our diverse learner community assisting them in getting the most out of their one on one tutoring relationship and more.
Along with being bilingual in Spanish and English, Miguel is also proficient in Portuguese. His previous professional experiences include teaching Spanish at Berkshire Country Day School, St. Joseph’s in Pittsfield, and as a long-term substitute teacher at Lee High School. Miguel also served as an interpreter of Individual Educational Plans (IEP) at the Muddy Brook Regional Elementary School in Great Barrington, MA.
A talented soccer player who was inducted into the Berkshire County Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014, he has coached for over 7 years and is currently coaching for Black Rock Football Club.
We are excited to welcome him on board at LitNet!
From the words of Miguel:
“Both cultures, Colombia and the US, are ingrained in me. I speak English and Spanish fluently. I can relate and be part of a group of Americans as easily as I can be a part of a group of Latinos. I am both, Colombian and American, and I love both cultures and both parts of my identity. Colombia gave me the tools, and the US provided the shop to put the tools to work. Both cultures add a different dimension to my being and I’m proud to be who I have become…a Colomboamericano!”
