Meng has been amazing during COVID-19; she has helped multiple students as we have been online. She was an amazing in-person Tutor Coordinator, and has been great as a virtual one as well, taking a leadership role in tutoring her students when they need it most!

Genesis Torres, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I have two favorite memories of volunteering as a tutor. Once, I brought oranges from my mom’s tree to share with the students. They immediately peeled and finished them off, with some students asking for extra oranges to take home to share with family. Sharing is caring!

Another time, a 3rd grader in class rested his head on my arm and told me I feel nice like his mom. I had been working with him and his best friends to get them to focus and not distract each other, and it felt so nice to be appreciated like that.

Volunteering as a tutor is a great way to feel young, to remember our youth, and to grow and be surprised with oneself.

I nominated Eliana because she is so compassionate and understanding. Her gentle and open demeanor means she always lends a listening ear to her student. She motivates, encourages, and always makes sure that her student feels heard and validated. She’s the best!

Maxine Faustino, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I have always wanted to do more for my community, and I strongly believe that everyone deserves a good education. I am passionate about school and teaching so I knew School on Wheels would be a great fit.

During our breaks, I always ask my student questions about her interests or fun moments with her friends. Listening to her describe her favorite shows and talk about all these happy memories always makes me smile.

I would tell any prospective tutor to just go for it, even if they think it might be challenging. The best part of School on Wheels is that you learn right along with your student.

Therese is a dedicated, positive, and enthusiastic tutor who always shows up with a warm smile for her students. She met with her first student in a small room at a crowded emergency shelter and now meets with her second student online. Despite the challenges, she is always ready with fun and engaging lessons and makes her student feel like they are an important part of a learning team. I am so grateful for caring tutors like Therese!

Chris Walsh, Regional Coordinator

Education is so valuable. Mentorship played a large role in my ability to pursue higher education, and it makes me so happy to dedicate my time to helping another student succeed.

I always smile when I think back to when my student called me her friend! I can see the difference it makes in my student’s academic success to have consistent tutoring through School on Wheels, especially at this time, with online learning.

If you’re thinking about tutoring, do it; it’s definitely worth it!

Myrna’s love for children and teaching inspires me deeply. She is wonderful with each student she tutors and they all love her! Myrna creates wonderful PowerPoint presentations for each of her online sessions that are fun, colorful, and exciting for her students. She is also sure to include each parent in their child’s progress. I wish she was my teacher when I was younger!

Stephanie Swenseid, Regional Coordinator

It’s always been my dream to help my community through teaching, so one month into retirement as a public school teacher I signed up to be a volunteer tutor with School on Wheels.

My student Milo and I took a quick liking to each other the moment we connected on Big Blue Button. It soon became obvious that we both needed each other; I needed him to continue my love for teaching, and he needed me to have that special one to one time to focus on his education. Milo works hard and is always excited for our time together. It’s really special for the both of us.

For those who are thinking of volunteering as a tutor, I say seize the day and let these kids show you what they’re capable of when someone takes time to show they care and care enough to show them how to do great things.

Yale is a great tutor who is always eager to connect with his students and mentor them. He always there for his students, and both students and location staff absolutely love him!

Manmeet Sodhi, Regional Coordinator

I was looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity that aligns with my passion and fortunately I found School on Wheels just in time. Coming from an under-resourced community, I realized how uneven the playing field really is. With a stable household, I am blessed with the opportunity to change my life trajectory with the power of education, but children of the homeless community aren’t often given the same opportunity.

One of the first students that I worked with had trouble with mathematics. I used one of the toy sets in the room to help him figure out the arithmetic and understand the concept in a different way. We quickly bonded. When he exited the program upon moving to another city, he gave me a big hug and that was a moment that I will never forget.

One of the best parts of being a volunteer at School on Wheels is that you know you’re doing meaningful work. During my school year, I had to travel 40 minutes every week to my volunteering location, but it didn’t matter, because I know that I am helping children desperately in need of someone to be there for them.

Catherine is always keen to help and builds a rapport with her students in no time. She is very creative and inspires her students to spread their wings.

Manmeet Sodhi, Regional Coordinator

It has always been a goal of mine to be a hero to others. I saw this as an opportunity to inspire these kids to be heroes to others as well.

One of my students was hard of hearing. She was shy and sweet, and I encouraged her to teach me sign language as a way to build up her self-confidence. After the tutoring session, the coordinator at the shelter texted me that she was so happy and confident after the online tutoring. She was even chatting and showing people sign language. I was really proud of her and of myself as a tutor.

If you are considering becoming a volunteer tutor, don’t hesitate! Trust me, this experience is so valuable, you will cherish it for the rest of your life.

Stephanie is an amazing tutor. She has been tutoring from Singapore since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Stephanie is currently tutoring three students, and despite the 15 hour time difference, she has never missed a session or logged late. Her persistence and enthusiasm to help her students are so inspiring.

Manmeet Sodhi, Coordinator

I learned about School on Wheels through my school counselor. I started volunteering because I love working with kids and thought it would be meaningful to provide them with the support every child needs.

During the last session with one of my students, he said that I was the reason he passed math that year. I could not have been prouder or happier!

If you’re thinking about volunteering, go in with an open mind, and have patience. Whether you know it or not, you are making a difference in a person’s life.

Jennyfer is a dedicated and proactive tutor. She goes out of her way to make sure her students have the best tutoring experience possible and are excelling in their schoolwork. I’m so glad Jennyfer is part of the School on Wheels family!

Emma Gerch, Coordinator

I volunteer because I want to give back to my community as much as I can. I really believe that a strong education increases the odds of a more fulfilling life. By helping those who are less fortunate than I was growing up, I am able to help them get a step closer to achieving their life goals.

I feel happiest during my time tutoring when my student Daniel really understands the harder topics we work on. It means I was able to convey difficult concepts in a way that he was able to comprehend and absorb. Tutoring allows me to hone my own skills in establishing a social connection with another person.

For those who are interested in becoming a tutor, it is worth your time and effort to try helping those in need, especially during these times. We need these students to learn, now more than ever, the worth that each person holds and the difference that each person is able to make in the world. I believe that it is our job as American citizens to help educate the newer generation in generosity, civility, and the value that another person holds in the world.

I nominated Lihi & Aviv because of their dedication to their student! They did in-person tutoring last year & quickly made the switch to support Steven online. They are always cheerful & eager to learn better ways to support their student.

Jesse Pasquan, Coordinator

Finding School on Wheels was such a gift! My son was approaching the age where I wanted to instill in him the importance of giving back to his community. Being volunteer tutors fills this need perfectly, and provides so many memorable days.

Once, instead of the lesson we had planned, our student Steven told us he wanted to read a book that I had given him for his birthday. As it turned out we had two copies at home, so all 3 of us were able to take turns reading from the same book. It was great!

If you’re considering volunteering with School on Wheels, do it!

Tee is a dedicated and creative tutor who consistently goes the extra mile for his student. Since Day 1, he has helped his student grow emotionally and academically. Tee has done so much in motivating and inspiring his student to accomplish his goals. I genuinely appreciate his devotion to education and School on Wheels!

Carlie Whittaker, Coordinator

I began volunteering with School on Wheels several years ago, in part due to my belief that my community will only improve when I become involved and take action.

One experience that always makes me smile is when the student I am tutoring is able to correct me in an error as we work through school assignments. Since I am usually in the position of correcting them, they take such great joy in pointing out my errors! While it can be embarrassing, it also makes me proud and brings me joy, as it shows they are paying attention and understanding the material.

Working as a volunteer tutor is a great way to leave a positive footprint in the life of a child. For some students, these tutoring sessions are a rare opportunity to connect with a role model figure and it is quite evident to me that this can have a profound effect on their development, both in academics and their personal lives.

Gregory is incredibly thorough and committed in his tutoring. He has created an amazing bond with his student Ethan and does everything he can to make Ethan’s tutoring experience exceptional. Gregory is very experienced as both an in-person and online tutor with School on Wheels. We’re glad to have him as part of the School on Wheels family!

Emma Gerch, Coordinator

I first learned about School on Wheels through social media. I noticed on a friend’s Facebook profile that they volunteered as a tutor, did some research to see what the organization was all about, and was convinced.

I have been lucky in many ways to get to where I am now, so I make it part of my life to dedicate my time to those that need help in the face of obstacles. I want community outreach and volunteering to be a part of what I do for the rest of my life.

The student I tutor struggles with math, so for one of our sessions I taught him a trick that made him say, “whoa, that’s really cool actually!” I could see the light in his eye, that I had taught him something he can take with him for the rest of his life. It was extremely gratifying and I smile every time I remember that day.

Tutoring with School on Wheels is the highlight of my week. My student not only learns from me, but I have learned so much from my student. Tutoring with School on Wheels continues to be a humbling and rewarding experience.

Leticia is a dedicated and caring tutor who always goes the extra mile to support her student and their family! She began tutoring her current student just after we transitioned to online tutoring. Leticia began meeting online with Paola 3 times a week to help her catch up with schoolwork and learn English. She also will frequently check in with me to find community resources that can help the family. Leticia is a wonderful example of the dedication of School on Wheels volunteers!

Chris Walsh, Coordinator

After moving for a new job I wanted to do some volunteer work in the area, and School on Wheels’ mission stood out to me. So much so that despite feeling insecure about my tutoring skills I signed up anyway, determined to be the best tutor I could be. My love of learning has brought me a lot of happiness, opportunities, and financial stability; I want this for these kids and always do what I can to encourage a love for learning.

One special memory I have is when I was tutoring a 4th grader, a girl who generally had a very serious demeanor. One day we were working on some homework and she pointed to a math problem she couldn’t understand. But when I looked, instead of her finger pointing to the problem, what I saw was a ridiculously tiny, plastic hand reaching out of her sleeve! I turned to face my very serious student and we both exploded with laughter. It was so out of character for her and that little hand was so weird… I still think back and laugh about it.

Betsy is an amazing tutor and person. She has exhibited empathy, compassion, and kindness to not only her student, but to her student’s whole family. She makes learning fun and engaging and has developed a genuine connection with her student and her family. In addition to providing academic support, Betsy also encourages her student Miracle to be confident in herself and her abilities, so she can aspire to be and do anything that she wants!

Maxine Faustino, Coordinator

As a human being who has had the good fortune of having a family and career that I love, a stable home, and a community to live in, I believe it is my responsibility and duty to help others who haven’t had the same good fortune. I also believe that if you want your children to be compassionate and giving human beings, it’s important to model that behavior instead of just talking about it.

One of my most powerful tutoring experiences was when my student Miracle broke through her fear of failure. We had been working for many sessions on getting her to try reading and one day I could see her push her fear aside and go for it. I’ll never forget the smile on her face when she realized she was much better at it than she thought! What a beautiful experience.

I’ve spoken to many people about becoming a volunteer tutor and I always say the same thing: “It will change your life.” If you think volunteering is going to be a sacrifice, you’re wrong. Yes, it can be challenging and frustrating, but you always get much more than you give. Rather than being a sacrifice, it’s actually an honor — a gift you give yourself as well as another person. In addition to helping a student learn, you’re creating a beautiful bond of friendship that will last forever.

Kristy has been working with students during the COVID-19 shutdown and has gone the extra mile to aid in all technology-related issues. She arranged tutoring sessions on different platforms, etc., and was still able to help her student get a summer incentive prize!

Genesis Torres, Coordinator

I volunteer with School on Wheels because I want to help address educational opportunity gaps faced by students with housing instability. I want to help make access to education more equitable by using my own experiences to assist the academic journeys of others.

My student Leon and I always have a great time! One of the best moments was when he helped lead me in answering his hypothetical question on what a given car would be like if he changed certain parameters. I knew absolutely nothing about cars, so this was a big deal! Leon was able to translate automobile jargon into everyday language and give me enough background so that I could arrive at an answer. Ultimately, he successfully did what great tutors do!

Liat is an incredible tutor, and has been volunteering with School On Wheels since she was in high school! Liat now attends UCLA, and in addition to volunteering as a tutor, she has been instrumental in helping us relaunch a School On Wheels at UCLA club!

Alex Toutant, Coordinator

I started volunteering to help students become motivated and hopeful of pursuing higher education than they thought possible. One experience with a student that makes me smile is when I taught the five-year-old I am tutoring how to spell the words “apple” and “lizard.” Seeing their faces light up when they finally understand something melts my heart.

Jannah is an amazing and dedicated tutor. From the first day I met her, she demonstrated a very natural ability to understand and connect with her student, Dominic. Jannah is very upbeat and encouraging with her student and is always such an incredible champion for him… she’s his biggest cheerleader! Jannah’s love for helping others shines bright when she’s tutoring. I had the pleasure of sitting in on her first session and was so impressed to see how quickly she connected with her student and the two became a really great team. I’m so grateful for what she does. Jannah is a shining star indeed!

Stephanie Swenseid, Coordinator

I started volunteering with School on Wheels because education has always played a huge part in my life. I believe every student should have access to educational resources to excel in school. This is why I am pursuing a career in education. I recognize the privilege I had growing up of having access to tutoring and other educational opportunities that often require financial means that not everyone has. School on Wheels recognizes the importance of providing the educational support that a lot of students need and often are unable to receive. I love volunteering with School on Wheels because of the values it stands for and the mission it is accomplishing.

During a recent tutoring session, my student Dominic and I were discussing empathy and going over scenarios in which we would express empathy to another individual. In the scenario we were dealing with, a girl was sad about not being able to go to prom because she did not have the money to buy a ticket and a dress. Dominic’s immediate response to the scenario was to help the girl out by contributing to buying her dress and ticket. This experience stayed with me because it showed how big Dominic’s heart is and really speaks to his character and personality. As a tutor, your responsibility is to provide support to your student and help them with their school work. However, more often than not, I find myself learning something new from the student I tutor every single session.

Ingrid & her student have faced many obstacles in tutoring online since COVID began. Her resilience and continued efforts made it possible for her student to catch up with homework over the summer!

Jesse Pasquan, Coordinator

I was looking for volunteer opportunities in my community and when I came across School on Wheels, I was surprised to learn that so many children in Southern California do not have a home. I found that to be so heartbreaking and unacceptable. I started to inform myself on all of the work School on Wheels does to help break the homelessness cycle for these kids and I wanted to be a part of that. Children are the future of our world and I really do believe it is our responsibility, as members of this community, to help them forge a better future. They cannot be left behind. When I work with my student, I can see just how intelligent and perceptive she is. Her math skills are outstanding but she has a bit of trouble with reading – it is her least favorite subject.

One time, we were reading at the library during our tutoring session. The hour was up and I told her I would see her the following week to read some more. To my surprise, she didn’t put the book down! I was very happy about that because she had not shown much interest in reading before. As I was leaving, I saw that she was actually trying to read the book to her mom. That really put a smile on my face; I am a writer, so stories are super important to me. I am so hopeful that my student will discover just how magical books are and I know it’s only a matter of time before the stories she reads really start to come to life in her imagination and reading will no longer feel like hard work. Being a tutor feels so rewarding. It is remarkable when you start to see that the hour you dedicate to your student each week, as little as it seems, can actually make a big difference in their lives. They can go from feeling completely lost or uninterested in school to feeling confident and motivated to keep moving forward.

I knew Mel was going to be an amazing tutor the day I met them! They displayed true dedication and commitment to their student from the beginning. From working on arts and crafts to creating an additional homework packet, Mel has always gone the extra mile for their student. I can always count on Mel to be consistent and advocate for their student.

Carlie Whittaker, Coordinator

I was specifically looking for ways I could use my past experiences working as a Literacy Mentor and spending weekends with friends distributing resources to displaced communities in the Bay Area. I found a listing for School on Wheels & thought it’d be a great match, and I was absolutely right! I’ve always wanted to continue bolstering my repertoire of experience to follow a long-time dream of curating positive, self-affirming spaces and opportunities for systematically disenfranchised populations. I had this one excellent student — my first after joining School on Wheels — who had difficulty adjusting to weekly sessions because he would be tired after a full day of school.

During one session, I noticed his attention was more difficult to maintain than usual. I decided to spend less time on curricular activities and focus more time on figuring out what subjects actually piqued his interest. That session was the first time I had seen him light up. He told me about all these things he loved doing but never got around to (most of which I was entirely unfamiliar with). He loved video games, science, chemistry, space, physics, finger boarding — the list went on and on! After that session, I completely changed the way I divided up our time and prepared for our sessions. A combination of Ivan feeling heard and seen mixed with taking risks as a tutor completely revolutionized not only our tutor-student relationship but also the way I saw what tutoring could look like and how learning could be made accessible to the student’s needs.

Moira is one of the kindest, sweetest, and most gentle souls I have ever encountered during my time at School on Wheels. Every time I talk with her about tutoring her student, she brings nothing but excitement, positivity, and enthusiasm! Moira is a breath of fresh air and I love having her as a volunteer. She and her student have a special bond and I am so happy that these two have each other.

Kristina Rakosh, Coordinator

Just a year ago, a friend of mine who knew that I had recently retired and was thinking about volunteering as a tutor invited me to a School on Wheels presentation at the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club. I had already been volunteering as a Rolling Reader at a local grammar school, and I thought tutoring with School on Wheels would be a good way to build on what for me is a great source of satisfaction. Before retirement, I worked for over 30 years as a developmental editor of college science textbooks. I am a learning junkie and love especially to explore the world through the eyes of young people who are just beginning to get acquainted with it. A picture my student Nathalie recently drew makes me smile — the sweet expression, arms reaching toward two butterflies, and the upward tilt of the feet are all perfect representations of Nathalie’s spirited, upbeat personality.

Robin’s tutoring story is nothing short of inspiring! She was the last tutor to start in-person tutoring before COVID-19, and we drove around for 45 minutes before her first session trying to find parking! Robin was also my first tutor to start online. None of this has discouraged her in the least, and she goes above and beyond for her student!

Jesse Pasquan, Coordinator

I made a resolution at the beginning of the year to complete 100 volunteer hours in 2020. I did some research on different tutoring organizations and programs and it was apparent School on Wheels was a great place to be. I wanted to be a part of it! I’ve been volunteering as a tutor since I was in high school — almost 15 years now — and I spent most of that time as a literacy tutor. When I moved from Virginia to Los Angeles about 3 years ago I realized this was something I missed doing. One of my favorite memories so far is when my student Ariana and I were working on ratios; at one point, Ariana suddenly blurted out “this is easy!” and it was both funny and rewarding to hear. I was so proud of her and happy that she was getting the concepts down. Volunteering as a tutor is incredibly rewarding. You get to see your student’s grades improve, and their confidence grow right along with it. Don’t second guess on whether or not to do it — sign up today, you will not regret it!

Nhi is an outstanding tutor, Tutor Coordinator, and Ambassador. She is kind, compassionate, smart, and always ready to help. Nhi has volunteered with School on Wheels in every capacity possible. She is currently tutoring two students (siblings) who simply adore her. Her students told the shelter staff that they never want a different tutor again, she is the only one they want to be with. The testimony speaks for itself!

Manmeet Sodhi, Coordinator

School on Wheels is a wonderful organization to work with. I’d been interested in becoming a teacher for some time and wanted more experience working with children in an academic setting. Now I am considering becoming a pediatrician as children are such a joy to work with. Additionally, I wanted to help teach homeless students because a past college student of mine was greatly affected by their housing situation. No child should be left behind, and working with School on Wheels helps me empower them to reach new heights. My first student struggled in math, but with practice, she got through the problems faster and faster. One day, I presented her with a challenge problem and her eyes lit up. As a reward for tackling it, I gave her an extra sticker of her favorite animal, the lion. At the end of the session, she walked over and gave a sticker to her brother, who was also being tutored. She gave me hope. Tutoring these kids is such a unique experience; you will meet families of varying walks of life and get to know their stories. As a tutor, our primary goal is to provide academic assistance, but School on Wheels also trains us to help students work through their emotions and allow us to mentor them, so we are having a positive impact on their lives, often in ways not traditionally thought of as a regular tutor.

Anthony is simply an amazing tutor. He tutors three students and is able to effortlessly connect with each one of them. He is always ready with games, activities, and worksheets for his students. Anthony is a great communicator with lots of patience and a heart of gold. I admire his dedication and flexibility for his students; no matter when they need him, Anthony will show up.

Manmeet Sodhi, Coordinator

I have had my own struggles with school. I know the hardships and difficulty that academics entail. I had trouble staying focused in class and have felt the anxiety and stress that comes with not knowing if you have what it takes to graduate. Without the support of those around me, I don’t know if I would have gotten to where I am today, on track to graduate from CSUF with a major in Physics. Knowing that there must be others experiencing these anxieties, I looked for tutoring jobs and came across School on Wheels. Realizing there are children who must go through the same classes I did, but with less sleep and other issues because of their living situation is what convinced me School on Wheels was the right opportunity for me to give back to my community. For me, the best moments involve breaking down any walls separating us; I get this chance with all my students, and it is a blissful moment every time. One example was a very dismissive student who started out ignoring me to play video games — and ended with him excitedly retelling and discussing a short story we read together. All my students have had this change and it always warms my heart to see them willing to meet me halfway and really get serious about their academics. It puts everything else into perspective and is the closest thing to a magical experience.

Pam has been a rockstar advocate for our students, especially in the midst of COVID. Pam has taken the extra step to get in contact with all the students at her after school group site to see how she can help and make sure they do not fall through the cracks. I cannot thank her enough for her advocacy for our students.

Genesis Torres, Coordinator

When I found School on Wheels online, I was instantly drawn to it and it’s mission. After retiring from teaching elementary school for 25 years and relocating, I realized that I really missed the kids. Working with these children has been an incredible experience for me and my family this past school year. I had the pleasure of tutoring a family in Starbucks in a Target store, and also after school in a homework club, but the pandemic has wreaked havoc on families struggling with homelessness and I lost touch. Fortunately, School on Wheels was able to locate one of my families, and I was able to provide support throughout the spring despite each of their 3 motel moves. These kids are so resilient! One of my favorite memories is when one of the sisters told me that she sets up a little office in the bathroom of their motel room to work on math when her brothers get too loud. She wants to grow up to be a brain surgeon, “for kids!” In these trying times, kids need volunteer tutors more than ever to help them to continue learning. It is very stressful not having a physical classroom to go to or the necessary technology to learn remotely, while their parents are dealing with job loss and worrying about how to feed their children.

Anisha has been so dedicated since the moment she started with her student. She continuously goes above and beyond to make sure that her student is supported and celebrated. I think Anisha may get more excited for Jasmin’s accomplishments than Jasmin herself! She effortlessly supports Jasmin both academically and as a mentor. She truly exemplifies how fun learning can be and it has been a complete joy watching her and her student grow together. I feel grateful to know such a kind, intelligent, and empowering young woman.

Katie Philipson, Coordinator

I started volunteering to try and help more children learn to love learning as much as I do, especially Math. I volunteer with Schools on Wheels specifically because I agree with their core values and message. One memory that stands out for me is when there was a big math test coming up. My student Jasmin and I were reviewing the content and Jasmin felt very prepared for the test when she left the session. And the next week, she told me that she got a really high score! It made me smile because I was so proud of her, but also Jasmin was very proud of herself and she felt like she did her best on the test and really understood the material. I loved seeing Jasmin believe in herself and prove to herself that she could do anything she put her mind to, especially in a subject that was challenging for her. Anyone who is even slightly thinking of volunteering, I would say go for it! It is one of the best feelings to know you are making a positive difference in someone else’s life, and it’s even better when you see that difference is being made. To watch someone blossom into a confident person in front of you is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have.

Though he’s only in 8th grade himself, Andrew has so much energy and support to give to his student Selena. He is consistent, dedicated, and motivated to help Selena do her best. His positive energy and nurturing spirit really shine through and have had a huge impact on his student. His mom, Ellen, is also an absolute joy and does everything she can to support Andrew’s tutoring.

Emma Gerch, Coordinator

My mom and I were looking for volunteering opportunities for me, and when we came across the School on Wheels program, I absolutely loved the idea of tutoring those children in need. I always wanted to make an impact in our community by helping others, and I’ve discovered that there are so many ways to contribute. One wonderful experience I had with my student Selena was when she passed her post assessment. We were both extremely happy that she did so well on it and that all of her hard work finally paid off. Becoming a volunteer tutor is a big step in contributing; it’s an amazing way to be able to help our community and others in need. Creating bonds with students is a big part when tutoring, and helps both the tutor and the student grow together.

I nominated Lynn because she is not only dedicated to helping School on Wheels in any way she can, but she is incredibly dedicated to her student, as well. Lynn is a one of our volunteer ambassadors and she has gone above and beyond to help us transition to online tutoring. As a retired educator, she has reached out to school districts in her area to spread the word about School on Wheels and get information about their distance learning programs. But her main focus is her student and the connection they have made together. She is an incredible volunteer!

Chris Walsh, Coordinator

My neighbor is a CASA volunteer and she recommended School on Wheels to me. Being a retired educator I wanted to continue contributing. One memory that stands out is when I took my student and her mother on a field trip to a CLU Women’s Volleyball game. Her excitement grew as we walked into the gymnasium and grew even more so as she watched the girls play! Her smile never left her face, she looked around so often with her eyes wide open and joined in with the cheering! As a tutor, I benefit from this relationship as much as my student. This experience is so very rewarding!

Rami is simply the best volunteer. She is also one of our ambassadors for Region 4. Rami goes above and beyond to help her student and SOW; she jumps right in there, helping with everything from tabling events to admin support. I can always count on her.

Kristina Rakosh, Coordinator

I was doing research online about a charity organization to volunteer with and after a ton of research came across School on Wheels. I was hooked from the start. I was not happy with the state of inaction at national and state level about basic issues such as homelessness, education and health. The ramifications of these issues are so huge that no society can afford to not deal with them. So I got tired of waiting and started acting on it at a personal level. One day when I was tutoring my student in the library, classmates of my students stopped by to say hi and he very proudly introduced me to them: “This is MY Tutor”! If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity with a far-reaching impact, this is it. The child you tutor is going to carry this good will for all of his/her life, and most probably pay it forward.

Phillip recently became a Tutor Coordinator in the region. All the students love Phillip! He has an incredible ability to relate to any student he encounters and pours his attention and dedication into all that he does at School on Wheels. I’m incredibly grateful for Phillip and all that he gives of himself to his students and to School on Wheels.

Stephanie Swenseid, Coordinator

I was raised with a strong emphasis on education, so I believe it is my duty to leverage this background to help these students reach their highest potential. One student I have been tutoring struggled to read and avoided every chance to do so. I would incorporate math and reading lessons into every session, along with a wild-card lesson of his choice. Without fail, he chose non-reading lessons for his wild-card — but I noticed he was gradually improving. In a recent session, I was overjoyed when he opted to read for his wild-card lesson! It showed how he’d become more confident in his abilities, willing to take challenges. If you have a passion to serve, I think you will find School on Wheels incredibly fun and rewarding. If you don’t have any teaching experience, that’s okay! Your passion and intuition will kick in to guide the way as you grow alongside these incredible students.

I nominated Dana because she is an AMAZING advocate for her student and his family. She is constantly looking to enhance her tutoring sessions with fun and diverse activities to help her student look forward to learning. Dana is creative and immensely passionate about ensuring that her student succeeds. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, her resourcefulness, kindness, and patience have stood as a consistent and reliable component in her student’s life.

Maxine Faustino, Coordinator

I started volunteering with School on Wheels because I love to read…it’s an escape into an imaginary world. I wanted to help kids enjoy reading (and school)! My student and I sometimes make faces over our video call screens. He can make really funny faces! Thinking of that makes me smile. I would tell any person who is considering volunteering with kids to recall how they were as a child, what they thought of school, homework, math etc., and with that in mind, go for it! Bring some peace and joy to someone else who REALLY needs it.