Volunteers of the Month – December 2024
Amy Marchiando
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I love working with kids and I think it is so important to help out your local community wherever you can.
Can you share the most memorable and rewarding moment you have had so far at School on Wheels?
I like to finish up our sessions with drawing, we drew a portrait of each other and both could not stop laughing at the results.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Be consistent and don’t forget to have fun.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Be consistent and don’t forget to have fun.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
We have been working on reading quite a bit and the moment I see her become proud of her improvement, that inspires me to keep finding new ways to make reading and writing more fun.
What have you learned from your student?
Be consistent and don’t forget to have fun.
Stephen Smith
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I wanted to give back to my community, and love being around children. All of my children are grown, and I thought I would be good at tutoring.
Can you share the most memorable and rewarding moment you have had so far at School on Wheels?
It was that I was able to maintain contact with my first student. Even though he moved on, we still kept in contact and I enjoyed being a part of that dynamic.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
My advice would be to stick with it and to always count your blessings, knowing that you are in a position to give back. It is always better to give than to receive.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Because it’s in my nature to be persistent. I do not give up easily.
What have you learned from your student?
I have learned that these kids want to learn and that they have a desire to get approval and do well. Even though they have rough circumstances, they never act like they do. They are sweet and positive, and they want to learn. Even though we meet once a week, they look forward to seeing me.
Melissa Castro
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
When I learned about the mission of School on Wheels to support children experiencing homelessness and provide them with educational resources, I knew I wanted to get involved. The idea of using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the lives of these children resonated deeply with me. I believe that education is not only a fundamental right but also a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and creating brighter futures. Moreover, the resilience and determination displayed by these children in the face of adversity inspires me every day. Their eagerness to learn despite the challenges they face is both humbling and motivating. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their journey and to contribute in any way I can.
Can you share the most memorable and rewarding moment you have had so far at School on Wheels?
One particular day stands out vividly in my mind, encapsulating the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a School on Wheels tutor. As we settled in our usual routine, Lucy greeted me with a beaming smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for our session. However, on this particular day, I noticed a subtle change in Lucy’s demeanor. Despite her usual exuberance, there was a hint of hesitation in her voice as she struggled with a reading prompt. Seeing her frustration, I gently encouraged her to take a deep breath and approach the problem from a different angle. Together, we worked through the problem step by step, breaking it down into manageable chunks. With each small victory, Lucy’s confidence began to soar, her initial doubts giving way to a sense of accomplishment and pride. Lucy surprised me with a big hug and a thank you. In that moment, I realized the true impact of our time together and my heart was full, filled with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in Lucy’s life and the lives of countless other children like her. It’s moments like these that remind me why I became a School on Wheels tutor in the first place to inspire, to empower, and to make a meaningful difference.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
To someone considering volunteering as a tutor, I would say: Your time and support can truly change lives. By becoming a tutor, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams. It’s a rewarding experience that not only benefits the students but also enriches your own life in countless ways.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
The most rewarding aspect of tutoring has been witnessing the growth and progress of my students. Seeing them gain confidence, develop new skills, and achieving academic success brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
What have you learned from your student?
From working with Lucy, I have learned the profound impact of enthusiasm, and perseverance in learning. She is a unique, special, and incredibly humorous individual who constantly brings positivity to every challenge. She is very clever and her willingness to embrace learning, paired with her infectious smile, reminds me daily of the power of fostering a supportive and joyful environment for growth. She has shown incredible dedication in her efforts to improve her reading and pronunciation skills. Her hard work and perseverance are truly inspiring. Beyond her academic progress, she is an exceptionally bright, sweet, and talented girl who is very creative when it comes to arts and crafts.