NEW CITIZENS OFFER THANKS TO TEACHER

The sign outside the China Palace restaurant in Cape Girardeau says welcome to new U.S. citizens, John and Ruling Cai.

The Cais say they couldn't have reached their goal without tutor and friend Alberta Loos.

The family arrived in the United States in 1992, and no one could speak English.

"We thought who can help us learn?," Cai said. They contacted the Cape Girardeau Area Vocational-Technical School's Adult Basic Education program and found Loos, a volunteer tutor.

"She is a very nice teacher, but she is much more than that to us," Cai said. "She is a like a mother. She not only teaches us English, she teaches us about life."

Loos brushes aside Cai's praise and tells him he should take more credit for his accomplishments. She reminds him that lots of others helped his family make a success in this country.

But Cai said much of the credit goes to Loos. She has been with them through tough times when they were out of work and deciding if they should open the restaurant.

"I remember I said to my wife, 'I think only our teacher is thinking about us,'" Cai said.

When the Cais decided to study for their citizenship test, Loos rounded up some sample questions, and they studied hard.

They passed the test and are new citizens. But the Cais aren't finished learning.

Once a week, when the lunch rush is over and before the dinner crowd arrives, they are seated at a table in the back of the restaurant studying with Loos.

"I get so much satisfaction," Loos said. "It's a challenge and each person is so different."

The Cais aren't Loos' only students. She is working with two other people, with varying life situations.

"She understands that they all have lives of their own and is very flexible if appointments have to be rescheduled or scheduled at odd times," said Sheri Ford, literacy coordinator with the Adult Basic Education Program.

"She's quiet, but she's very dedicated and determined," Ford said. "I know she loves it."

Loos also volunteers with the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary, making and selling crafts to benefit the hospital.

She also volunteers at the Lutheran Home where she is involved in social activities, sewing and mending clothing and supplies and visiting with residents.

"My teacher is very busy," Cai said. "She is busy helping people."