VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

This month we introduce you to Cindy Langford who joined Aspire as a volunteer in February of 2022. Cindy is teaching ESL at our West Dallas location located at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand. A native of Kansas, Cindy brings to Aspire a love of helping others and a life filled with volunteerism. Our volunteers come to us with varied backgrounds and careers and Cindy is a great example of the special people who serve our students.

PERSONAL LIFE

• What is your background? Family growing up. Where are you from? Have you lived in different cities?

I grew up on a farm 10 miles south of Waterville, Kansas (population 700 on a good day). I have two sisters. After graduating from high school at age 17, I moved to Manhattan, Kansas, and attended Kansas State University majoring in fashion design. I moved to Dallas in 1980 and worked for Spencer Stuart (an executive search firm) for 37 years. I’ve been retired now for four years.

• Growing up, what did you do for fun, hobbies? Do you have any hobbies now?

Growing up, I worked on the farm, ran track (hurdles and dashes), waterskied, swam, and sewed.  Since retiring, I have had a lot more hobbies, walking, Mah-Jongg, gardening, volunteering, traveling, reading, and gift market.

• Did you go to university or college? Field of study?What were you like as a student?

Yes, Kansas State University, Fashion Design. As a student, curious if I was interested!

• What was your first job? Other jobs, current or past?

My first paying job was as a lifeguard. I worked for the President of Kansas State University while going to school.  I worked for Spencer Stuart (executive search firm) for 37 years as Principal and Administrative Manager.

VOLUNTEERING

• What has the experience been like for you?

This has been a great experience. Since I do not speak much Spanish, it has opened my eyes to learning the language while teaching others the English language.

• Have you done any other volunteer work aside from Aspire?

Oh my, yes! I love volunteering. Brother Bill’s has many volunteer opportunities in the grocery store, Pathways, Diaper Days, Christmas, Neighbor Days, After School, etc. I also volunteer at Preston Hollow Elementary School, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Park Cities Baptist Church, Preston Hollow Women’s Club, etc.

• What motivated you to volunteer? / What sparked your interest in volunteering at Aspire?

When I retired, I had time on my hands, and I love serving others.

• Is there something that you have learned from volunteering at Aspire that possibly stands out?

The team is passionate about what they do in helping others.

• What do you enjoy most about your classes?

I love seeing their faces light up when something finally makes sense, and they can pronounce the words correctly.  We try to make it fun for them. They are anxious to learn and look forward to coming to class.

We are grateful to Cindy and the many volunteer teachers who live in and outside North Texas. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Aspire, please contact Cassy Lujan, Volunteer Director, at CassyLujan@AspireToLearn.org.

Learn more »

Important Dates

• 05-26-2022
   Last Day of Spring Classes

• 05-30-2022
   Memorial Day

• 07-04-2022
   Independence Day

• 08-01-2022
   Fall Registration Begins

• 09-07-2022
   Start of Fall Semester

• 09-22-2022
   North Texas Giving Day

• 10-27-2022
   Legacy of Literacy Breakfast

Help Aspire serve more students by making a tax-deductible donation today.