I worked at Cincinnati State from 2014-2020. My students were predominantly from West Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Some came to Cincinnati just to study and return abroad, but most often they were starting a new life as American immigrants. I had the great responsibility of helping them develop the cultural and linguistic skills they need to succeed in college coursework, future career pursuits, and life in the United States. Having more than once been an international student and an immigrant myself, I understand at least in part some of the challenges my students face. In the classroom, I drew from my training and experience teaching in diverse contexts to identify and address students' language needs. As the sole full-time ESL faculty at Cincinnati State, I was also responsible for all of the behind-the-scenes work, including hiring and managing adjunct instructors, and representing ESL student needs to the college. Working with the ESL population at Cincinnati State, I had the privilege to meet people who were at a major transition point in their lives and to work with them so that they are better prepared to achieve their goals.