Volunteers of the Month – February 2026
Fred Burgess
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I visited a shelter and was introduced to the program. When I retired, I signed up as a tutor despite doubts about my qualifications.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
In general, I’m reluctant to give advice because that would assume mastery on my part. I can say how I prepare for each session: I’m tutoring 5th and 6th grade math. I begin asking the student about their week. We perform math exercises divided between calculations and word problems. We then end with a math game or an activity that the student enjoys, this has included drawing and playing chess.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
I have a fear of teaching the student an incorrect method. Math is taught differently than when I was a child. I’ve had to learn the new variants. It’s actually been rather fun.
What have you learned from your student?
I forgot how funny and fun young people are.
Samantha Hernandez
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
What motivated me to start volunteering at school on wheels was
knowing that I was going to be able to help a student make a
difference in their education. I was so excited at the opportunity of
volunteering at school on wheels because I knew I would be able to
offer support for students who may be struggling in their education.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
The advice I would give a new volunteer at School on Wheels is to
enter with confidence, be patient and have a positive attitude. It is
an amazing place here at School on Wheels, there’s so much you can
learn. Helping out not only your students but as well as yourself by
growing as a person. Interact with every student, even the ones that
don’t ask for help because maybe they might be struggling with school,
as well as just overall being a big support for them.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
What inspires me to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring
is my students. I say this because the reason I am here is to be a
great support system for my students. Being able to make an impact on
someone’s life inspires me to push through any challenging obstacles I
might face.
What have you learned from your student?
My biggest takeaway in working with the students here is that all of
them are capable of so much and simply need the support of amazing
teachers and tutors. I realized that incorporating their interests
outside of academia and leading with positive words of affirmation
motivates them to learn more. When I used these tactics paired with
patience, the outcomes were successful, and the students were immensely
more engaged.
Ghalia Azouz
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
Growing up in Anaheim, I’ve grown passionate to give back to my community. Once I learned about School on Wheels, I immediately applied as soon as I could. The mission behind School on Wheels precisely aligned with my passion to directly provide and be a part of improving my community. As a first generation student, I understand firsthand the limitations in education and experiences due to socioeconomic circumstances. I aim to close that gap through my own education and experiences no matter the background a tutee is. With experience in tutoring at UCI, I decided to transfer those skills to this amazing program.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Be patient and be adaptable. Every teaching lesson will never run perfectly and follow the schedule you have preemptively made. Kids’ attention spans are constantly in flux. Although a goal is for them to hold their attention, it is also important that you meet them at their level. They seem more tired than usual? Change the lesson to be more game based! They expressed wanting to go on the computer? Use the computer as a reinforcer to get them through the worksheet! Adaptability is key to success in this field.
What have you learned from your student?
My student is not afraid to speak her mind. Her confidence is radiant from the moment she steps into the room. When given options, she answers with speed and certainty, never doubting herself. This quality is something every young girl should hold onto because it is special and rare.
Karissa Posada
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I decided to start volunteering with School On Wheels because I have always had a passion for education, and I know how beneficial it is for kids to have an environment where they can learn and be curious.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
I would tell a new tutor to celebrate students’ successes together. Each student provides us with the opportunity to learn and grow as educators and as people, so enjoy and reflect on the time spent together.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
During challenges when tutoring, I am inspired by the fact that my student shows up every week. Even if they’re not super excited to learn that day, the fact that they show up means that I can show up for them to my best ability.
What have you learned from your student?
My student has taught me the importance of listening. She loves to talk, and I enjoy hearing what she has to say. Whenever possible, I try to make time in our sessions just to talk about whatever she wants to talk about, and I’ve found that this sparks her enthusiasm.