Volunteers of the Month – May 2026

Angad Singh

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I’ve always been passionate about education. Growing up, it was a central value in my family, something that was consistently emphasized, respected, and seen as a pathway to opportunity. That foundation shaped how I view the world today.

Equally important to me is helping others gain access to a quality education. I believe every student deserves the chance to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. That belief inspired me to look for ways to give back and support students in their academic journeys.

In searching for meaningful volunteer opportunities, I discovered School on Wheels. It immediately stood out as a place where I could make a real difference by working directly with students and helping them build confidence in their learning.
What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Be patient and focus on building trust first. . Showing up consistently, listening, and celebrating small successes can make a lasting difference.

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
In my opinion, the best advice is to stay positive and upbeat when teaching. Many students find certain subjects boring or see schoolwork as a chore, but bringing energy and enthusiasm into each session can completely shift their perspective.

When learning feels fun and engaging, it can spark a lasting appreciation for education. The impact you have as a tutor extends far beyond each session, it can stay with students long after the tutoring ends.

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
I remind myself why I started tutoring in the first place. When a student works through a challenge, it often leads to meaningful growth in their learning. My role is to be patient and understanding, qualities that are often the most effective tools for overcoming obstacles in tutoring.

What have you learned from your student?
I’ve learned so much from my students. They’ve helped me become more patient and pushed me to improve how I communicate and explain concepts. Through this experience, I’ve grown just as much as they have.

Most importantly, I’ve come to appreciate each student’s uniqueness and the different ways they approach learning. Every student is different, and helping them succeed often requires a thoughtful, individualized approach to introducing new concepts.

Abbey Martichenko

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
It’s difficult to wrap your head around more than 200,000 children throughout California experiencing homelessness every year, and I felt that the best way to channel my reaction to this reality was to get involved with an organization taking action. I applied to tutor with School On Wheels because it was clear they see each student as far more than a statistic. Becoming a tutor means recognizing that every child has incredible interests, curiosities, abilities, and possibilities for what their future holds. I wanted to use an hour of my week helping nurture what already exists in my student, and provide him the support to continue learning and growing, even amidst any challenges or changes happening in his life.

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Good things take time! It takes consistency and trial and error to figure out a cadence of tutoring that feels the most productive, fun, and enriching. Prioritizing showing up every week with a variety of exercises, games, and an adaptable attitude will help build a connection with your student that leads to so much transformation as time goes by. Don’t feel like you have to pack every minute of the session with traditional learning activities, and don’t feel disappointed in yourself if some sessions don’t go the way you anticipate. It’s about showing up, being present, and letting your student be curious and creative for the hour you spend together.

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Rowdy’s humor is what allows us to overcome challenges together. He truly makes me laugh every single week that we meet. Recently, we read a book with the word “stray,” and he asked me what that word meant. I gave him the example of a “stray hair” being a hair that looks out of place on your head, to which he suggested I have several and should maybe mention that to my hairdresser the next time I get a haircut. It’s truly the joy, laughter, and creativity that come along with learning that inspire me to push through the days when we feel tired, frustrated, and short of focus.

What have you learned from your student?
There are a million ways to worry about what the future holds, for ourselves and for the broader world around us. Working with Rowdy reminds me to stay present, curious, excited, and grateful for the small joys our day holds. The questions he asks about the solar system, animals, and ancient civilizations remind me how rich and bright the world around me is. When he learns new words, emotions, and strategies for games and then puts them into use, it reminds me that we will never stop evolving so long as we ask questions and absorb new knowledge. If you feel like you’ve lost the creative, spontaneous, optimistic attitude you once had as a child, working one-on-one with a student can really bring that magic back into your life.