On Snowboarding and Learning: Turning Stuck-Asaurus Moments into Weewhoo Times

February 16, 2022

I’ve recently become obsessed with a viral video of a 4-year old snowboarder who happens to hit the slopes dressed as a dinosaur. You may have seen the charming “powder-saurus” on the Today Show or Good Morning America. As I watched it for the umpteenth time on Instagram, I wondered what kept drawing me back to this one?  Besides her cuteness, I find the snowboarding dinosaur’s words uncensored and universal; they offer wisdom for all of us, both on and off the slopes.


I work in the world of adult learning – specifically running an organization that supports adult English language learners in Montgomery County, MD.  The words of our 4-year-old shredder resonated with me as they speak to the learning process for all of us -whether we are the designated learner or teacher.   A few lessons I took from her narrative:


1. Jump in 

Be ready to jump right in.  Maybe you need to say “let’s go” to give yourself a figurative push, but this is a moment – probably before every big hill, every class you take or teach, to say I am ready.


2. Encourage yourself and others 

Our own narrative can serve to support or inhibit us.  But, also learning can be a great collective effort. Our positive energy can support others just as much as we can support us.  At one point, young Aubrin says “Have fun Dad” – probably words he has said to her many times. You see the support for learning – and more importantly the fun in learning that is a key lesson to carry through the learning challenges. 


3. Have confidence, knowing that you will make mistakes

This is probably my favorite part.  Our 4-year old shredder is skiing on a narrow path through the trees; it’s probably a bit tricky to stay upright and on the path. She sing-songs through the path:

I won’t fall,

Maybe I will, 

That’s ok

Cause we all fall


Whether learning a new language, computer app, or skiing skill, it is important to balance two key perspectives. First, keep your confidence up – you can do this.  You can succeed. But you will probably fall or fail along the way, and that is okay; everyone does.  You will just need to pick yourself up and continue – laughing while you do it certainly helps!


4.  Find the moments where you are really succeeding and enjoy the ride.

Riding down the big hill, gaining speed, she feels the joy of what she has accomplished.  Have you taught a new lesson?  Seen a learner gain confidence in making a doctor’s appointment over the phone?  Learned a new idiomatic phrase? Scream it out - Weewhoo, weewoo!  May we all have some weehoo and weewoo moments in our day.


5. Sometimes you’ll get stuck.

You will get stuck, and you will do all the things you have been taught to right yourself or get back on track.  Those tools might not work. Acknowledge that you are stuck and ask for help.  Here’s to all the learners out there, no matter if you are a 4-year-old snowboard learner, an adult English language learner, or one of the many of us who had to learn new virtual video tools these last two years. 


We all have our stuck-asaurus moments—the key is acknowledging them and asking for help. Thank you to all the people of MCAEL who are there to turn the stuck-asaurus moments into weewhoo times.

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.
By Emma Starr May 21, 2025
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard
By Emma Starr May 14, 2025
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
Image of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's New Executive Director.
By MCAEL April 16, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.”  "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.