Volunteers of the Month – February 2025
Maconnie Dukuly
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
What motivated me to volunteer at School on Wheels is that no one is far away from homelessness. I myself have not been too far on a few occasions. I know what it feels like to feel like you have nothing and no one to help you through tough situations. I want to be an inspiration to those kids and maybe even for a second, I could make them smile enough to forget about the situation they are in.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
I would say, be patient and jump right in! There will never be a good time to get acquainted with the kids. You just have to jump in and be patient with yourself while you’re at it. It can be a lot, but it is truly amazing when you can get a child to read better, or do their times tables faster.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
The staff! Without Leigh, Melissa, and Ashley, lord knows what would happen! These ladies teach me that it is possible to get to the kids and form timeless bonds with them.
What have you learned from your student?
I’ve learned patience, compassion, strength, and an iron will from my students. Those kids are so strong and are going through so much, yet they show up every day with smiles on their faces, wanting to learn and be a part of something. It is truly amazing to see!
Austin Chang
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
The genuineness of the people who choose to serve in this organization. My first interaction with a SOW tutor was extremely positive. I was volunteering for a different organization and her kindness and willingness to support me in my growth was what initiated my motivation to volunteer at SOW.
What aspect(s) of tutoring have you found most rewarding?
Impact. During college, I found it difficult to find meaning in the work I was doing as it very often felt purposeless beyond the goal of going to grad or professional school. However, working with students, I found that my consistent effort meant something to these students and me. I wasn’t just helping these students with academics. I was supporting their mental health, building up their confidence, and being a positive role model to my students.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Try not to take things personally. If a student is late, distracted, or misses a session, it may be due to unstable living conditions, unpredictable schedules, or transportation barriers—none of which is a reflection on you or them. The most important thing we can provide is consistent support: showing up on time, being prepared, and demonstrating a genuine interest in them. Ask them how their day went, make sure they’ve eaten before the lesson, and, above all, be consistent. Ultimately, the greatest impact we can provide is a framework on what a professional, healthy, and constructive relationship is.
What have you learned from your student?
The power of a positive attitude and a smile goes a long way. People like being around people that are happy.
Phat Nguyen
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I’ve always loved teaching, and seeing that “aha!” moment in a student’s eyes is just the best. I started tutoring at a group home, and I quickly realized how much these kids needed extra support. They were so overlooked, and they just needed someone to believe in them and help them through tough topics. That experience made me want to help more kids, and School on Wheels’ mission really resonated with me.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Get to know your student! Build that trust and rapport and find out what they like, what motivates them. Make it fun! Let them lead the learning, but be there to guide them and help them tackle their weaknesses. Be consistent and encouraging because it makes all the difference.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Knowing I can help my students reach their full potential. With Luna, her word problems were tough because her reading wasn’t strong. So, I incorporated reading exercises, which helped her with the math as well. Seeing her succeed is amazing.
What have you learned from your student?
Patience, mostly! And how important it is to really understand each student and adapt my approach. I’ve tutored college students before, but working with Luna taught me how to slow down, break things down, and work with a student facing significant challenges outside of the classroom. It’s made me a much better teacher.