Listen to Sehrish Zafar, a native of Pakistan and recent graduate from George Mason University, talk about how Rubin Education helps her communicate with employers via email and in person.

The Full Story

Every time Sehrish Zafar sat at the computer to send a professional email, the same emotion would resurface.

Frustration.

A native of Pakistan, Zafar moved to the United States in 7^th grade and spoke no English. Through ESL classes, Zafar slowly learned the language as she attended Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia (suburb of Washington, DC) and then Northern Virginia Community College for an associate degree in applied science and information technology.

Zafar then pursued her bachelor’s degree at George Mason University in Northern Virginia and settled on a major in the health sciences. All the while, Zafar, now 27, worked (and still works) full time as a manager at a CVS Pharmacy.

During her years at George Mason, Zafar continued to struggle with business communication in American English. She often resorted to googling answers and scrolling through YouTube channels.

“I knew what I wanted to say, but I didn’t know how to put my thoughts into words,” Zafar said.

At George Mason, Zafar took a health administration course led by instructor Kathie Westpheling.

Westpheling incorporated the Emerge with Rubin online program throughout the spring 2019 semester so her students (some born in America, others who came as immigrants) would learn to write and speak with professionalism. The online curriculum provides 300+ templates for common writing and speaking scenarios and 100+ simple-to-follow assignments so students can practice the scenarios in the classroom.

Right away, Zafar felt Rubin Education was the resource she had needed all along.

“As an immigrant, Rubin Education gives me the tools to start professional conversations with confidence,” Zafar said. “I have learned better ways to write my resume, cover letter and outreach emails as well as job interview strategies and even how to give a proper handshake.”

Westpheling saw her students’ positive response to the material right away and plans to use the Rubin Education All Access online curriculum in fall 2019 as well.

“The Rubin Education online curriculum is reasonably priced for the students,” said Westpheling. “It’s a great way to introduce the materials as part of lifelong learning and an ideal fit in any degree program.”

Zafar hopes to pursue a master’s degree in health informatics and work in the fast-moving field of electronic health records and data management.

With a foundation in strong communication skills, her world is wide open.

Are you an educator? Click here to request a 30-day trial of the Emerge online program!