Volunteers of the Month – June 2026
Davi Chen
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I wanted to support students who may not always have consistent academic help. School on Wheels stood out to me because its mission is not only about tutoring, but also about giving students stability, encouragement, and confidence.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Be patient, consistent, and flexible. Progress may come slowly, but showing up regularly and building trust can make a real difference.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Seeing small progress keeps me motivated. Even when a session is challenging, watching Kitzya keep trying reminds me that growth happens step by step.
What have you learned from your student?
Kitzya has taught me persistence and patience. Working with her reminds me to meet students where they are and support their growth at their own pace.
Henry Pickett
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I was inspired to sign up with School on Wheels because of my own experiences as a student and as a tutor. I knew what it was like to struggle with math and science growing up, and how important it was for my own growth to have teachers who believed in me and made sure I knew I wasn’t stupid – that I did have it in me to understand and succeed. I had already experienced this from the other direction, working as a science tutor in college and helping others as my own teachers had. I knew that with the difficulties of being a student while homeless – missed days, shuffled schools and districts, and more – the children served by School on Wheels would need this kind of support more than most, and the chance to help provide it was what drew me to the organization.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
If you’re considering volunteering as a tutor with us but worry that you’re not a subject matter expert or don’t have enough experience, don’t be – this work is less about subject matter expertise than you might think. What it really asks of you is patience and willingness to meet these students where they are, which might mean stepping back from their homework to play a game, run around a bit, or just let them decompress (they’re kids!). The good news is that this makes tutoring even more fun; you get to follow a student along, watch them make progress (and help them to do so), while also being a partner in fun rather than only a “homework supervisor.”
What would you say makes your student special?
I would say what makes Rickey special is his determination and his curiosity. I’ve been impressed by his progress, but more by the character that underpins it – he works hard, and he doesn’t give up when the work becomes challenging, taking it as an opportunity to do better. I especially love playing chess with him on breaks or after homework, watching him get better and better at it each week.
August Jaunzarins Roberts
What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I started tutoring with School on Wheels in 2020 after learning about the organization from a friend and wanting a meaningful way to get involved in my community. The experience left a lasting impact on me, so when I moved back to California after college, I knew I wanted to reconnect, this time as a volunteer at the SRLC. It is special to play a small part in supporting their incredible mission.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
My advice to new volunteers is to show up and be consistent; building trust and relationships takes time. It is also important to be flexible and willing to pivot. Everyone learns differently, so you may need to try a few approaches before finding what works best for your student.
What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
My students inspire me the most. On challenging days, I’m reminded of the importance of meeting students where they are. Watching a student’s excitement when a difficult concept finally clicks and seeing their confidence grow inspires me to work through the harder moments.
What have you learned from your student?
I am always learning from my students. They are funny, curious, and full of personality, and I leave each week with a smile. Their resilience and positivity inspire me, and working with them has made me a better listener, a stronger communicator, and a more adaptable person.