Students of the Month – June 2015

Skid Row Learning Center

LeAna, 8th grade. LeAna arrives at the Skid Row Learning Center every day with her headphones in her ears and a dance in her step. A big fan of dancing, LeAna works hard to be a positive role model to her little brother as well as to the other kids at the center. On multiple occasions she has helped tutor kindergarteners, completed administrative tasks, assisted with snack and still had the energy to supervise her brother on the commute to the shelter. She ensures that he safely gets on the bus and they make it to dinner in time. After a long day of commuting on the bus, multiple classes, after school tutoring, helping tutors at the center, and helping with her sibling, I can rely on LeAna to offer a warm hug and a big smile as she walks out the door.

Allison Maldonado, Skid Row Learning Center Instructor

Region 2 – South Los Angeles, Compton, Lynwood, Inglewood, Watts, Gardena, Torrance

Star, 10th Grade. When I first met Star she seemed a little shy and nervous. During the past few months, I have been able to watch Star come out of her shell and become a fun, interactive people to talk with. She has a sense of humor that always makes me laugh. From working through the more challenging math problems to reading, she maintains a positive attitude. She inspires me to keep an optimistic outlook on everything I do in life. As Star continues on her path of education, I hope that she continues to grow as she has over the past few months and that all of her dreams come true.

Rejoyce Green, Tutor

Region 4 – Long Beach, San Pedro, South Bay Cities, Carson, Bellflower, Lakewood, Norwalk

Rayvon, 6th Grade. In October Rayvon had many new experiences: a new home, a new school district, starting middle school and his first tutor. Rayvon is a bright, well spoken, and friendly 12-year old with a winning smile and a winning attitude. At school Rayvon learned the school routine, made friends, enjoyed art class and worked on improving his personal best running time. At home he learned about keeping a schedule and fulfilling his responsibilities. He also had a specific academic goal for tutoring. He learned to be on time and ready to learn with his tutor every week. He worked hard and tracked his progress. In March that first goal was achieved. Way to go, Rayvon! Now these lessons can be applied to many future subjects.

Deborah Chankin, Tutor

Region 5 – Echo Park, Hollywood, Highland Park, Silverlake, Mid-City

Viviane, 11th Grade. Viviane has made enormous strides from the day we first met. She comes prepared and on-time for our study sessions. She has improved her grades from D’s and F’s to all A’s and B’s on her most recent report card. She completes her school work on the days we do not meet and is making a lot of progress in all subjects. Now that the school year has ended, Viviane has expressed interest in her future career, one in which she wants to help others. I am excited by what the future has in store for her.

Akina Lantow, Tutor

Region 7 – Canoga Park, North Hills, North Hollywood, Sylmar, Glendale, Van Nuys, Sun Valley

Hailey, 5th Grade. Hailey is currently in the 5th grade and is probably one of the most unique kids you will ever meet. She’s a part of the chorus at her school, enjoys reading books and is in love with the movie Frozen. Whenever she finishes her homework early, she loves to look up images of Queen Elsa, a character in Frozen, and shows me her favorites. Hailey hasn’t decided exactly what she wishes to be when she grows up but her choices are either a teacher, an aerospace engineer, or an artist. She is one of the smartest kids I have ever met. She has a vast imagination that allows her to think so creatively about everything. Hailey is a great listener and an outstanding student. I honestly can’t imagine tutoring anyone else!

Samantha Montes De Oca, Tutor

Region 8 – Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Marleth, 5th Grade. Marleth has been a joy to teach. She is eager to learn and very cooperative, something teachers hope for in their students. Her writing teacher indicated that she is very bright and on grade level despite having moved here from Mexico only four months ago. We have been working on phonics and constructing both oral and written sentences. Marleth has good observation skills and an above average ability to focus. She also has a good sense of humor, and plays the jokester occasionally. I suspect she will soar academically once she becomes proficient in English. I feel honored to be able to play a small part in Marleth’s educational process.

Ann Klein, Tutor

Region 10 – Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Irvine, Lake Forest, Fountain Valley, Westminster

Erick, 6th grade. Once Erick had a math assignment that I couldn’t explain to him. The problems were simple, how to convert fractions into decimals into percentages, but I wasn’t prepared that he had no understanding of fractions. When I realized this, it stumped me. I had learned fractions so long ago that I didn’t know how to explain them or even where to start. So we began to work on it together, breaking the parts into little sections. After a few sessions he was able to solve the problems. I was so excited by what he learned that I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the session.

The drawing is something Erick’s little sister drew. Apparently I’m the middle one with the big ears and Erick is the one on the right.

Eric Chang, Tutor

Online Tutoring

Hannah, 11th Grade. Seeing my student prosper during our online tutoring sessions makes it all worth it. When I began tutoring her, Hannah was barely able to set up a problem on the CAHSEE practice exam. I noticed that after a few weeks of tutoring she started to approach the problems on her own and began to do more and more each week. Our tutoring sessions turned from weekly to biweekly lessons that dramatically enhanced her understanding of math and sparked her passion for learning. I asked her whether she was considering college as an option. At first told me, “No, it’s too hard,” but after spending time with her, her views have greatly changed and she’s more confident with herself.

In Hannah’s own words:

Catherine is a great teacher and she has a way of making me feel comfortable asking questions about math. I feel more confident in my math abilities and in going to college. Thanks Catherine!

Catherine Santizo, Tutor