I decided to nominate Helen because she always goes above and beyond with her students. Helen is currently matched with 2 students at one of our sites in Tustin and she meets with these students a total of 6 times a week! She puts so much passion behind the work she does with her students and it is truly inspiring.

Aeriell Woodhams, Volunteer Support Coordinator

As a former high school English teacher I can supplement my own children’s education, and I wanted to do that for others. I was troubled by the disparities in education, especially during the pandemic. I could see the lack of education my own children were receiving.

I’ve mostly worked with older children and I enjoy the rapport with them, but sometimes I don’t necessarily see the academic improvements as readily. Today I’ve been working with my current 1st grader for just over 2 months and I can already see huge gains in her literacy. She’s actually reading!

If tutoring a child in need sounds interesting, try it — one on one tutoring really works! Just devoting one hour per week makes a real difference in that child’s current life & future possibilities.

I nominated Tazin because of the impact she is making on the high school students she works with. Tazin is currently working with four high school students and helping with college applications. All four have applied to their respective colleges and completed their FAFSA. The impact Tazin is making is amazing and is going to make a lasting impact on the students.

Aeriell Woodhams, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I have been a “volunteer” all my life; in my faith community, voluntary service is heavily encouraged and regarded as a responsibility and obligation to our fellow citizens on this Earth. I believe education is of the utmost importance and something we can carry with us, no matter what life may throw at us. It’s the one thing that can’t be taken away from us, and if need be it can be used to start all over, whether we have to change states, countries, or continents.

By volunteering with School on Wheels, I can use my skills, time, and energy to help at-risk students improve and excel in their studies and make strides towards changing their futures. After tutoring students in math, reading, science, and English for over 7 years, in the fall of 2020 I started helping high school seniors with their college and FAFSA applications. After researching and going through the process with my own daughter, I felt experienced enough to help advise our School on Wheels students with putting their best foot forward on their applications. I am a CPA by trade, so helping our students obtain financial aid to make their college dreams a reality is very rewarding. I am excited to see them enter the next phase in life and blessed to have been a small part of their journey.

No matter how busy or stretched you might feel you are, there is always time to give back. Find a cause that is important to you and dedicate some time to it. If supporting students experiencing homelessness speaks to your heart, I highly recommend getting involved with School on Wheels. One hour a week is easy to give and could make such a difference in a student’s life. During COVID, volunteering is as easy as logging into an online platform and meeting with your student virtually, you don’t even need to leave your home! Get involved and make a difference!

Raya has demonstrated patience, dedication, and persistence in supporting her student, who has special needs. Raya tutors twice per week, regularly researches resources to help Marcos thrive in school, and always models care and understanding in her sessions with him. We are lucky to have Raya in the School on Wheels family!

Emma Gerch, Digital Learning Specialist

After COVID-19 hit the U.S. last spring and we were all sent home from college, I was seeing a lot of stories online about younger kids who were struggling with keeping up in online learning. After doing a bit of research, I found School on Wheels online. I fell in love with the mission and wanted to do my part to help tutor those in need!

I always smile whenever Marcos gets really excited about learning or sharing something with me about his life! He loves to talk about animals, and we always learn about a new animal after doing math during a session. One time, he pulled a guinea pig out of his hood and it surprised me so much I couldn’t stop laughing! He definitely loves his animals 🙂

If you’re considering volunteering with School on Wheels, do it! The staff is super supportive of their tutors, and the kids are awesome to work with! School on Wheels provides a fairly low-time-commitment way to make a difference in a student’s life!

Judy is one of the most patient, kind, and helpful tutors I have met. She has an amazing way of connecting with and relating to her student. She understands the struggles our students face and is always willing to be an advocate for their rights. Working with Judy is an inspirational experience!

Manmeet Sodhi, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I learned about School on Wheels in 2015, while I was a teacher at Soledad Enrichment Action Charter High School. I was reading the L.A. Times and saw the obituary for Agnes Stevens, the founder of School on Wheels. Impressed with her story and the organization’s mission, I decided that volunteering for them would be one of my retirement projects. I retired in 2016, and soon thereafter joined the School on Wheels family. I love teaching and have a special appreciation and love for students who have experienced barriers that have prevented them from having an ideal educational experience. Although I retired from my teaching job, I never want to stop teaching!

Through the years, I have had so many experiences that made me smile! Some are funny, and others are pure joy in students’ accomplishments. I recall an essay written by a high school student who had to name one fictional character she would like to meet, and what she would like to do with that person. She chose Cinderella, and stated that she would like to do chores with her!

It is a very rewarding experience to see how you can make a difference in someone’s life by tutoring. I always feel that I end up learning the most!

Shant had my region’s second-highest number of sessions held last quarter! He went above and beyond, meeting with his student two times a week. Shant hit the ground running, tutoring in any way possible, and continues to make sure his student has the opportunity to complete his work when they are able to meet together online!

Genesis Torres, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I was inspired to start volunteering because I felt that School on Wheels offered me an outlet where I could make a genuinely positive influence on the upcoming generation.

I have found it most gratifying when Amari had a moment of realization where he obtained a better understanding of a subject. One memorable experience we had was during the beginning of tutoring, working on his math skills with an online math game. Amari truly enjoys games in general and loves to compete!

For anyone considering volunteering with School on Wheels, I would tell them to immediately sign up to start tutoring because it truly has a very positive effect on both myself and my student. I am extremely happy with this program, and I have made a new friend in my student, Amari.

Nima radiates compassion and generosity to everyone he comes across – his student, their family, and other tutors. He constantly strives to be a better tutor and mentor every day. Nima’s kindness and dedication has impacted so many students and he continues to foster a desire to learn in his current student!

Maxine Faustino, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I started volunteering because I wanted to give back and School on Wheels was the closest organization to my heart. There is one main thing that has kept me volunteering for almost 8 years now: I love seeing the look on a student’s face when they finally understand the thing they’ve been struggling with. It’s like they have discovered a new way to approach any problem, and will use that knowledge for the rest of their lives.

I remember one day my student Nayven and I were done with his math and were discussing dragons (of course). He shared some pictures of dragons with me, and I showed him how to set the correct ratio for his dragon’s head, based it on some simple Algebraic principles. He really enjoyed learning how to draw a better and more realistic dragon, and I got to sneak in some more math for him.

If being a volunteer tutor sounds interesting at all, give it a try. It will honestly change the way you feel, the way you see things, and the way you approach life. It seems like a big reward for 1-hour a week, but it’s true. My only regret is that I didn’t start this sooner.

Mia is a gifted tutor, mentor and role model. She has a beautiful ability to show deep empathy and compassion for every student she tutors. She makes learning fun and her students adore her. I’m so fortunate to have her as a volunteer and her students are so lucky to have her as their tutor.

Stephanie Swenseid, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I started volunteering because I think it’s important to use my education and the opportunities that I’ve had to help kids and teenagers who have not had the same advantages. On top of that, I love working with kids and find it rewarding to watch my students grow, both academically and as people.

My student has taught me to laugh more and to not take myself too seriously. She showed me how funny and clever children can be, catching me off guard with her witty jokes. She has also taught me to celebrate the small wins that come over time with tutoring. I feel so lucky to be Laura’s tutor!

Before COVID-19 hit, I was tutoring at a boys’ group home in Pomona. One day, a couple of the students were asking the tutors about ourselves, and eventually asked us how much we get paid for tutoring them. We explained that we’re volunteers, and we tutor because we enjoy it. After that encounter, several of the students acted more warmly towards us, knowing that we come to tutor them each week for nothing in return. That is one of my favorite memories from my time at School on Wheels.

I cannot recommend School on Wheels highly enough! Working with our students can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding. It takes so little of your time but makes such a lasting impact on your student. School on Wheels has been a transformative experience for me, and I recommend it to anyone looking to help out in their community and make a difference in the life of a child experiencing homelessness.

Kyra is an incredible volunteer who is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it is stuffing backpacks or helping at a holiday party at the shelter. On top of that, she is a fantastic tutor who has built a wonderful relationship with her student and is his greatest champion and cheerleader. Kyra not only has a positive influence on her student, she also inspires me with her joyful dedication and outlook!

Chris Walsh, Regional Coordinator

I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and a way to spend more time with children, and School on Wheels is the perfect fit! I love being around children; their energy and excitement is definitely the most rewarding part for me. It really makes me feel special when my student wants to show me his latest artwork.

If you’re considering volunteering with School on Wheels, don’t think about it any longer, just do it! It is so rewarding to interact with these young people and exciting to watch them progress. The time commitment is surprisingly small for the impact that it makes in these students’ lives.

My is a very dedicated tutor who takes her work seriously. She is reliable, kind, patient, and always there for her students. My comes prepared for every single session and bonds with her students effortlessly. She has been matched with multiple students throughout the year and greatly impacted each and every one of them.

Manmeet Sodhi, Regional Coordinator

After graduating from college I was looking for a volunteer opportunity. I had worked as a tutor for a few years and really enjoyed that experience, so I thought School on Wheels would be a perfect place for me.

It’s been great! I always feel so happy when working with my students, especially when they actively engage in the learning process and creatively answer my questions.

For anyone considering becoming a volunteer tutor, I would say, “Go for it!” You will have chances to gain a lot of valuable experiences and to become a better version of yourself.

Darren is an incredible and dedicated volunteer. She always goes the extra mile for her student and always has a positive attitude. Despite the pandemic, Darren has remained committed to her student and the mission of School on Wheels. We are so grateful to have her on our team.

Carlie Whittaker, Student Support Coordinator

I learned about School on Wheels 6 years ago through a friend. At first I volunteered simply because I love children, but I quickly came to love working with and meeting so many amazing kids and their families.

Sometimes tutoring takes a bit of creativity. I once tutored a very bright high school senior who was taking an AP math class, and since math is not my strong suit, there wasn’t a lot I could help him with. We would watch lessons on Kahn Academy together and I’d have him teach me what he learned. This helped to some extent, but when it came to the really hard stuff, we would call my daughter, a math wiz who happened to be living in Australia at the time! Sometimes you just have to call in the right resources, no matter where they are!

If you are considering volunteering as a tutor, don’t worry about being a great teacher/tutor; that’s only one part of what you can bring to these kids. If you love working with children, it is an extremely rewarding and fun opportunity to make a real difference.

Claudia is a superstar volunteer and tutors two students! She is committed to providing her students with high-quality academic support and is a tremendous education advocate.

Alex Toutant, Volunteer Support Coordinator

I started volunteering because I wanted to make a difference in a child’s academic life. One experience I had that made me smile is when my student and I did jumping jacks between assignments. Gandhi once said that there is nothing more satisfying than losing yourself to the service of others.

Mary Ann has been a dedicated tutor for a few years now. She loves tutoring and she has made meaningful connections with all of the students she’s worked with. Her students love her and look forward to meeting with her every week! She is consistent, caring, passionate, and loves what she does!

Kristina Rakosh, Regional Coordinator

After I retired from working as a teacher a school librarian in 2015, I looked around for some volunteer opportunities and found School on Wheels. It’s been a great fit.

I completed training and met with my first student in April of 2016. Since then I have worked with lots of wonderful students and alongside inspiring volunteers. I have tutored in three different shelters in Long Beach, and now I am working with kids online. I prefer in-person tutoring, but we can still share jokes, lessons, and help with homework.

School on Wheels has given me lots of resources and lessons to use with my students. I never arrive empty handed!

Ava has been a tutor with School on Wheels for over a year and a half, and is an amazing tutor! She works with three different students and has built such a strong rapport with each of them. When the transition to online learning became overwhelming, she stepped in and helped her students get back on track.

Jesse Pasquan, Volunteer Support Coordinator

My middle school required a small amount of community service each year, and to fill the hours, I worked as a referee for fencing tournaments at my fencing club. I realized it was really fun to work with kids, and I wanted to do more outreach with the time I had. With a bit of research I found School on Wheels, which turned out to be a great fit. I really like their mission and what they are doing.

One time I was with my student and we decided to play Connect 4 online. We played game after game, and he beat me every single time. I kept on insisting on playing another game, but it was hopeless. Even though I lost, thinking back on that always makes me laugh.

If you’re thinking about volunteering as a tutor, do it! It’s extremely fulfilling and super fun. It sometimes requires a lot of patience, but it always ends up being a blast.

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!