When Esther Cheng lost her husband, life changed. Suddenly alone in Sydney, far from her birthplace of Hong Kong, she began looking for something to fill the silence – something to give her purpose again. That’s when she found English classes at Macquarie Community College.
“I had nothing to do. I needed to find myself again,” Esther shares. “I saw the English courses at MCC. They were short, flexible, and nearby. It was the perfect place to start.”
Though she had learned some English in her youth, Esther wanted to improve her skills and build confidence. She joined the Intermediate English class – and found much more than just language lessons.
A Class That Feels Like Family
“At MCC, we don’t just learn English. We learn how to live better,” Esther says with a smile.
The class covers everyday English with a practical focus – like calculating petrol costs or writing notes for daily use. But it also includes fun, hands-on activities like origami, which bring joy and creativity into the classroom.
The small group size made it easy to make friends.
“We’ve been in the same class for four months now. We help each other. We’re not strangers anymore,” she says. “I look forward to seeing them every week. I don’t feel so lonely now.”
For Esther, the sense of community and belonging is just as valuable as learning grammar or vocabulary.
Learning English, One Lesson at a Time
Esther speaks warmly of her teacher Mirunalini:
“She gives us so much. She really cares if we understand. She wants us to succeed.”
That support has inspired Esther to keep going. When this course finishes, she plans to continue learning English:
“I want to keep learning. It helps me grow and keeps me connected.”
Her advice for others thinking about studying English?
“We all come from different backgrounds. Just enjoy it. Listen to your teacher. Do the homework. You’ll learn so much.”
Join the Learning Community That Cares
At Macquarie Community College, English classes are more than learning a language – they’re about building confidence, friendships, and a brighter future.
Whether you’re new to Australia or simply ready for a fresh start, you’ll find a warm, welcoming place to learn and belong.