Volunteers of the Month – July 2025
Bruce Shaffer
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I’ve been a math tutor for a long time, but I wanted to reach kids who most likely couldn’t afford to have one. Also, the need for tutors seemed greater than ever following the lull in education during the pandemic.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
If you’re considering volunteering as a tutor, I definitely encourage you to do so. Not only will you learn a lot about yourself, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a young mind, feel their gratitude, and have the satisfaction of imparting knowledge.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
I’ve found that the most rewarding part of tutoring is forming a real relationship with my tutees. When they’re willing to share something from their personal lives with me, I know we have a connection that will get us through the ups and downs of learning.
What have you learned from your student?
Being grateful…
Santiago Cardenas
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I started volunteering at School on Wheels because I wanted to get involved in my local community. I used to tutor in college, and it’s something that I began to miss after moving here to LA. Since moving here, joining School on Wheels has been the most connected I’ve felt with the community, which has been very rewarding.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Some advice I would give a new volunteer is to just get to know your student, they have a lot of personality to share and breaking that shell might be hard but is definitely worth it.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
I’m inspired when I hear my students talk about their interests and dreams and goals. I remember what it was like to aspire to be some job as a kid, and so it feels good to hear them talk about it and try to make it happen.
What have you learned from your student?
I have learned a lot about what it’s like to live and grow up and go to school here in LA (I went to high school on the other side of the country, so a very different setting).
Ceili Grossman
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I enjoyed running STEM outreach events with students while in college and I was looking for ways to engage with students again. I was so inspired by School on Wheels’ mission to work with our local community and appreciate everything they do to make it so easy to hop in and make an impact!
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
At times you might feel like progress isn’t being made on the academics but it’s important to remember how just being there regularly for your student as a consistent bright spot in their week can be so helpful in its own way!
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Thinking about seeing my student smile and hearing about her day or her funny stories inspires me to keep on going and create a fun, safe space for her to be herself and inspire some excitement about learning.
What have you learned from your student?
Don’t take yourself too seriously!
America Garcia
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I was inspired to be a resource to students. I needed resources when I was younger, and I did not have anyone to look up to. My parents were immigrants and couldn’t help me with certain resources. I want to be that resource that I needed when I was younger.
Can you share one experience you had with a student that makes you smile?
When I was volunteering at Angeles House, a shelter in South Los Angeles, I worked with an older sister who had to help take care of two younger brothers. I saw how she struggled, having to balance taking care of her siblings and prioritizing being a caretaker while also trying to prioritize her education. I remember how I helped her by entertaining her brothers so she could focus on our tutoring session. I gave them coloring sheets so they could be occupied, but nearby. That way, she did not have to worry about them, but could also focus on her work.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
I am inspired to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring by seeing my student improve.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer tutor?
I think you should consider how volunteering as a tutor allows you to be a resource for these children throughout time, which is rewarding. It does not take up too much time to dedicate an hour or two to helping someone in need.