Volunteers of the Month – June 2025

Francesca Macrae

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
In one word: rewarding. I definitely do not tutor for recognition, but it means a lot that something I find such personal value and joy in is deserving of a nomination. Finding time to tutor amidst a demanding job, planning a wedding, life commitments, working out etc is not always easy, and I am incredibly appreciative of the nomination — it makes continuing to prioritize giving back for 1-2 hours a week feel like a small sacrifice.

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Bring energy to every session and find something to relate to each student over. These kids have SO much going on — and school often is the least of their worries, a problem we are so fortunate to not experience. School, and therefore learning, can be a stressful/embarrassing experience if they are behind in subjects etc. For me, the best value is not necessarily the specific lesson I teach that day but instead trying to make learning fun — and giving my students confidence that they are capable. Even if things take a while/questions are hard, they can work at it and succeed. So be patient, bring energy and find something to relate with your student over (e.g. we take cartwheel breaks in tutoring frequently). Make the sessions engaging: Janelle loves her baby dolls and I often ask them to answer questions too 🙂

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Truly that any challenges I face with tutoring are so minor compared to what these kids are experiencing/have experienced. I owe it to them to show up every session and work through challenges with them. Education is the key to avoiding future homelessness/creating a different life, and I’m so inspired just by being a part of this.

What have you learned from your student?
A positive attitude is a choice; Janelle faces so many challenges, gets home from a long day of school, and focuses for a full hour or more at tutoring. Intellectual curiosity is a choice and gift — Janelle often wants to go over our time to learn more.

Maritza Jacobo

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
My motivation to start volunteering at School on Wheels was to make a change in the students’ lives. By volunteering for underserved students like the students who attend School on Wheels, I knew I could bring my ideas to the center and open the kids to new learning experiences. Throughout the time I’ve been at School on Wheels, what has kept me motivated is seeing non-English speaking students start to slowly understand English and start to try to have conversations with us volunteers. Being able to see the growth in the students has definitely been a heart-warming experience since I can see that the work I am doing, along with the rest of the volunteers, is changing students’ lives.

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Some advice I would give to a new volunteer would be to take everything one step at a time, especially if they have zero experience working with children from K-5. Working with both sides, meaning k-2 and 3-5, and seeing if they have any preference for what side they work better with. Having a comfortable environment where you feel connected to the kids in a way will help you become a better volunteer. In addition, remember if any questions arise, they can always ask Miss. Ashley or Miss. Melissa.

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Being able to see the students’ “aha” moments really gives me the drive to continue to overcome obstacles and keep tutoring. I know that by tutoring, I am helping them through any difficult moments they might encounter and unlocking any new learning experiences they might not have had beforehand.

Brenda Pina-Aguilar

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I began volunteering because during my academic year, I had tutors who helped me understand complex subjects. I appreciated the tutors who made the effort during tutoring sessions and did their best to assure their students’ understanding. And now I want to give back and help others.

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
For incoming volunteers, I recommend that they try to come prepared to the tutoring session. Having some sort of lesson plan allows for a better tutoring session. Try your best to communicate with your students, see the areas they struggle on, make a lesson plan, and practice problems.

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Tutoring through Big Blue Button has many challenges, especially when tutoring math online. Thankfully, I have an iPad where I can practice solving problems for my student and show him step-by-step solutions. When challenges arise, I try to communicate with the parent and the student and see how we can resolve any issues. Even talking to my volunteer coordinator helps when challenges arise. I know there will be challenges during online tutoring, but I want to help others just like others have helped me during my academic career.

What have you learned from your student?
I learned how to be patient and to communicate better. There are times when I explain a topic that makes sense to me because I have had a lot of practice with it, but I must remember that this is the first time my student is learning about this topic. I try my best to communicate math topics better so that he understands them.

Spring Pham

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I wanted to do something meaningful to help kids who do not always have the support they need. When I heard about School on Wheels and how it helps students living in shelters, I knew I wanted to be part of it. I believe every child deserves a chance to learn and feel supported.These students are going through a lot, and they deserve care and attention from people who have more stable home lives. Even giving a little time can make a big difference in their day and their future.

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
You don’t need to be an expert—just your time and care can make a real difference. Volunteering is easy to fit into your life and incredibly rewarding for both you and the student.

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Dominic is a very smart and focused student. At first, he was shy and quiet during our sessions, but over time, he became comfortable and more open. What stood out to me the most was his amazing focus — during our one-hour or sometimes longer sessions, he never once asked for a break. His dedication and eagerness to learn really impressed me and showed how much he values our time together.

What have you learned from your student?
I have learned patience and how important it is to encourage someone. My student has taught me to see the world through fresh eyes and reminded me how strong and hopeful kids can be, even when facing challenges.