My name is Laurie Straube and I’m from North Carolina.  I joined Americorps because I wanted to experience living in a new place and I wanted to be part of a program where I would directly serve the community in my placement site.  This year I am working at Glades Family Education program in Belle Glade, FL.  I teach a high beginning ESOL class four days a week to adult students from Haiti, Mexico, and Guatemala.  I like teaching at Glades because of its tight-knit community.  Every day is unique and I have already learned a lot about being a teacher.  I try to prepare lessons that will help my students be able to speak English confidently when they are outside of the classroom.  I also love having the opportunity to serve the Palm Beach community at our various service projects with my fellow Americorps members. I am thankful to be here!