The day Gabriela Starr visited Mariner Library, opens a new window for the first time, it marked the beginning of an unexpected new chapter in her life.
“Being in Talk Time gave me the opportunity to practice English,” she recalls. “I immediately connected with the people, and I have friends from that first session. I learned so much from people from different countries.”
Talk Time, opens a new window is a weekly conversation program for English language learners where they can practice language skills and build community. For Gabriela, it quickly became a source of belonging.
“From the moment I stepped in, I found a very welcoming environment,” she says. “People come from different backgrounds — Nepal, Ukraine, Korea, Colombia, Mexico — and we all learn a lot from each other. We talk about our lives, our routines, and our cultures, and it makes you realize that we are part of a global community.”
Gabriela says what makes Talk Time special is its supportive atmosphere.
“Even if we make mistakes, that’s okay,” she explains. “No one is going to make fun of you. No one will judge you. Everyone tries to understand each other’s culture and improve together. It’s a very respectful environment.”
Working alongside library staff like Susana has deepened Gabriela’s connection to the program. “Susana is amazing,” she says. “She always reminds us that it’s okay to make mistakes, that we don’t have to be perfect and we’re valued for who we are.”
What surprised Gabriela most was realizing that beneath their many differences, everyone at Talk Time was navigating many of the same feelings and challenges.
“It’s very interesting that sometimes we feel the same,” she shares. “We grew up in different countries. We have different parents, different language, different teachers, but we are living the same thing when we come to the United States.”
She reflects on meaningful conversations she’s had with her peers. “Some people come from very different situations and have different challenges. Maybe they have a disability. Maybe there’s people that come from a country that is in a war, and they are worried about their family.”
Gabriela says this time devoted to learning English helps many participants concentrate on things outside of those daily challenges. At Talk Time they can engage, connect, and reset.
This supportive environment helped Gabriela rediscover her confidence. With encouragement from her library peers, she began to speak up more and take on new challenges.
“The library helped me get my confidence back,” she says. “When you are an immigrant, you sometimes feel like you shouldn’t try because your English isn’t perfect. But here, you learn that communication and connecting with people is what really matters.”
Soon after, Gabriela started finding new opportunities outside the library. “I applied to many jobs, and I got one,” she says proudly. “Talk Time helped me get the confidence to apply.”
Now as a Talk Time volunteer, Gabriela is helping others build the same skills and confidence she found in the program.
“Even if I’m tired, I still come every week because I love the library so much,” she adds. “Every time I walk through the doors, I feel happy. Maybe I’ll learn something new or hear someone’s story. It’s an amazing place to connect and grow.”
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