Grade 12 student from Syria raced to master English so he could help other newcomers

Naser Alnaserwas nine years old when he started working.

The Grade 12 student, who now lives in Saint John with his family, had a remarkablydifferent lifein a refugee camp in Jordan after fleeing violence in Syria.

"It wasn't a life a teenager would ever want," saidAlnaser, who recalled how he and his brothers struggled to sell meals and pastries created byhis father so the family couldsurvive in the camp.

When he arrived in Canada nearly sevenyears ago, Alnasercouldn't speak English. But he was so determined to learn,the Saint John High School student soon achieved a mastery over thelanguage that has enabled him to tutor other, more recent arrivals.

WATCH |When the student becomes the teacher

Grade 12 student from Syria teaches other newcomers English and so much more

2 years ago

Duration 6:04

After conquering the hardship of a refugee camp, then the surprising new world of Saint John, teen Naser Alnaser mentors other newcomers entering high school.

"It feels amazing, I love it ... to be able to mentor somebody and feel like it's getting easier by the time that I spend with students," Alnaser said.

The YMCA of Greater Saint John helpedAlnaser and his siblings enrol in school.

"We were all excited and I just wanted to go to school so much that I just couldn't wait ... the first day I started school was just like a whole different experience," Alnaser said.

When he entered high school, he began taking English as an additional language to improve his written and speaking skills.

Alnaserblazed through all the lessons in only two yearsand is now teaching his own English classes.

"Iknew if I just pushed myself a bit harder, I would be able to move to the next level."

Alnaser attributes some of his success to ateacher, MalloryCunningham, who helped him and his siblings get to that next level.

"I was learning quick and fast because she taught us in an incredible way," said Alnaser, remembering how much he lovedlearning the English alphabet through song and music.

"She would do things just like what a parent would do."

The success has also been a source of immense pride for Alnaser's parents, who are also being tutored by their son.

"It's incredible, seeing my parents in shock with how good I'm doing."

The success is motivating Alnaserto go to New Brunswick Community College for abusiness degree and then take on teaching to help future newcomers.

"I feel like if I become a teacher one day that I could help them more. I could be there for them more if they needed my help."