After spending 37 years in Ucluelet, a former primary school teacher has returned to her roots in Port Alberni and found a new passion: volunteering at Literacy Alberni. Having moved back to the Valley in October 2023, Diane Arentsen is thrilled to be back in the community where she was born and graduated from high school.
With retirement came the search for a meaningful way to give back, and Literacy Alberni provided the perfect opportunity. “I was looking for volunteer work where I could use my skills to help others,” Diane explains. “Tutoring students at Literacy Alberni seemed like a perfect fit.”
The transition from teaching primary grades to tutoring English language learners has been seamless, thanks in part to the supportive environment at Literacy Alberni. “The staff and fellow tutors are very welcoming and helpful,” she says. “Working with my group of students is rewarding as I watch them build confidence in speaking English. They are eager, engaged, dedicated learners who are very grateful to be part of this service.”
Beyond the satisfaction of helping others, Diane has also found joy in the cultural exchange that comes with working with students from diverse backgrounds. “I have learned a great deal about their customs and culture,” she notes. “It’s a win/win situation!”
When she’s not volunteering, this avid outdoor enthusiast spends her time exploring the magnificent trails around the Valley. A lover of the outdoors, she recently planted a vegetable garden, eager to watch it grow and enjoy the fruits of her labour. In addition to her green thumb, she enjoys reading, playing Scrabble, and is always up for a game of cards.
Returning to Port Alberni has been a fulfilling experience, blending the familiarity of home with the new adventures that volunteering brings. For this dedicated tutor, the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while continuing to learn and grow herself is the perfect way to spend her retirement.
Literacy Alberni is part of Raise-A-Reader, a province-wide campaign to raise funds for literacy organizations.
