Alexander Quaynor
Senior ESL Instructor, English Language Institute (ELI), Gallaudet University.
I met Tissa in 1989 when he arrived as a new student at the English Language Institute (ELI) which was then located at the Gallaudet University auxiliary campus on Kalmia Road off 16th Street, NW. I happened to be in front of the main building when his Taxi pulled up. As a member of the welcoming team for new students, I volunteered to help Tissa with his two big suitcases. He thought I was a potter so he asked me to carry the bags which i readily did. They were very heavy but I managed to get them over to the fourth floor where his dorm room was located As I was leaving, he tried to give me some tip but I declined to accept anything from him. Afterwards, he met me at a welcoming reception for the ELI new students. He was profoundly surprised when I was introduced as as an Instructor; his mouth was agape and I guess that was one of his first American culture shock because a teacher carried his bags for him here which was unthinkable in his native country, Sri Lanka.
Tissa was very diligent and studious. Hence, he was able to gain admission into the Gallaudet University undergraduate program. He worked part-time with the ELI program in different roles that culminated to the point where he was given the monicker, "Mr. ELI". He has been a stalwart and an indispensable member of the ELI team that has worked steadfastly to develop the ELI program into a stellar, world class program that teaches English as a second language to foreign students. His legacy will continue to enrich the lives of countless deaf foreign students all over the world.. |
Tissa Peiris 2014 ©