Volunteers of the Month – August 2026
Julia Tepper
What motivated your to start volunteering with School on Wheels?
I was motivated to start volunteering at School on Wheels to become more embedded and involved in my community. Additionally, I wanted to help students discover a lifelong love of reading.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
I would advise a new volunteer at School on Wheels to ask your student what topics or subjects interest them. Reading books that are of interest to my student has made such a difference in motivating her to be excited to learn.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
My student inspires me! She is such a dedicated learner, and puts so much effort into every new session. I am inspired by her commitment to becoming a stronger reader.
What have you learned from your student?
She keeps me hip with Gen Alpha memes, and taught me six seven. In addition to that, she has shared so much with me about her faith and her family’s traditions.
Anooshik Tahmasian
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I first arrived to the United States 10 years ago as an immigrant and being a student in a new environment was extremely challenging. I remember I didn’t have much knowledge or skill in English speaking and writing. I also struggled in math. My confidence was low and the future of me succeeding in school was uncertain. In those moments, I had my father, my teachers, and my classmates give their time and effort to help me a little extra after school or after class. It took a few years for me to become comfortable in my school subjects. When I got to tutor high school students for the first time as a high schooler myself, I realized I loved teaching. However, tutoring was more special since I got to work one on one and not just lecture from a board. Therefore, I decided to join SOW to be the support person to a student like me who was uncertain of their future in their academics and needed a mentor who can guide them, just like I needed back then.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
One piece of advice to a new tutor would be to take time and effort to get to know how your student learns. For example, they may like a certain way of learning such as mostly writing and speaking out loud to learn concepts. Other cases, switching up the flow and having rotation through various activities to learn best. Also, always encourage and praise your student for their effort and participation. It matters a lot.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
What inspires me to overcome challenges with tutoring would be the support I experienced when I was in my students shoes. One particular teacher I had was my 6th grade teacher, who always took the time to help me with my essays after class or encouraged me when I felt confused or assured me I could do an assignment when I felt like I couldn’t. I want to be the same example for my students. My teacher didn’t give up on me and neither will I. If there’s times when my student may doubt her abilities, I want to be sure I push her to try one more time.
What have you learned from your student?
I have learned that playing games to learn grammar is a quick and easy method. Juliet prefers to practice her grammar concepts or vocabulary terms by playing fast paced educational games. I learned that this way, it is more fun and memorable for her. We also get to have a lot of fun since were both trying to beat the time clock to finish the game.