Volunteers of the Month – Nov. 2020
Meng Liev
Region 9
Meng has been amazing during COVID-19; she has helped multiple students as we have been online. She was an amazing in-person Tutor Coordinator, and has been great as a virtual one as well, taking a leadership role in tutoring her students when they need it most!
Genesis Torres, Volunteer Support Coordinator
I have two favorite memories of volunteering as a tutor. Once, I brought oranges from my mom’s tree to share with the students. They immediately peeled and finished them off, with some students asking for extra oranges to take home to share with family. Sharing is caring!
Another time, a 3rd grader in class rested his head on my arm and told me I feel nice like his mom. I had been working with him and his best friends to get them to focus and not distract each other, and it felt so nice to be appreciated like that.
Volunteering as a tutor is a great way to feel young, to remember our youth, and to grow and be surprised with oneself.
Eliana McIlvery
Region 7
I nominated Eliana because she is so compassionate and understanding. Her gentle and open demeanor means she always lends a listening ear to her student. She motivates, encourages, and always makes sure that her student feels heard and validated. She’s the best!
Maxine Faustino, Volunteer Support Coordinator
I have always wanted to do more for my community, and I strongly believe that everyone deserves a good education. I am passionate about school and teaching so I knew School on Wheels would be a great fit.
During our breaks, I always ask my student questions about her interests or fun moments with her friends. Listening to her describe her favorite shows and talk about all these happy memories always makes me smile.
I would tell any prospective tutor to just go for it, even if they think it might be challenging. The best part of School on Wheels is that you learn right along with your student.
Therese Auza
Region 8
Therese is a dedicated, positive, and enthusiastic tutor who always shows up with a warm smile for her students. She met with her first student in a small room at a crowded emergency shelter and now meets with her second student online. Despite the challenges, she is always ready with fun and engaging lessons and makes her student feel like they are an important part of a learning team. I am so grateful for caring tutors like Therese!
Chris Walsh, Regional Coordinator
Education is so valuable. Mentorship played a large role in my ability to pursue higher education, and it makes me so happy to dedicate my time to helping another student succeed.
I always smile when I think back to when my student called me her friend! I can see the difference it makes in my student’s academic success to have consistent tutoring through School on Wheels, especially at this time, with online learning.
If you’re thinking about tutoring, do it; it’s definitely worth it!
Myrna Sanpascual
Region 6
Myrna’s love for children and teaching inspires me deeply. She is wonderful with each student she tutors and they all love her! Myrna creates wonderful PowerPoint presentations for each of her online sessions that are fun, colorful, and exciting for her students. She is also sure to include each parent in their child’s progress. I wish she was my teacher when I was younger!
Stephanie Swenseid, Regional Coordinator
It’s always been my dream to help my community through teaching, so one month into retirement as a public school teacher I signed up to be a volunteer tutor with School on Wheels.
My student Milo and I took a quick liking to each other the moment we connected on Big Blue Button. It soon became obvious that we both needed each other; I needed him to continue my love for teaching, and he needed me to have that special one to one time to focus on his education. Milo works hard and is always excited for our time together. It’s really special for the both of us.
For those who are thinking of volunteering as a tutor, I say seize the day and let these kids show you what they’re capable of when someone takes time to show they care and care enough to show them how to do great things.
Yale Wang
Region 1
Yale is a great tutor who is always eager to connect with his students and mentor them. He always there for his students, and both students and location staff absolutely love him!
Manmeet Sodhi, Regional Coordinator
I was looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity that aligns with my passion and fortunately I found School on Wheels just in time. Coming from an under-resourced community, I realized how uneven the playing field really is. With a stable household, I am blessed with the opportunity to change my life trajectory with the power of education, but children of the homeless community aren’t often given the same opportunity.
One of the first students that I worked with had trouble with mathematics. I used one of the toy sets in the room to help him figure out the arithmetic and understand the concept in a different way. We quickly bonded. When he exited the program upon moving to another city, he gave me a big hug and that was a moment that I will never forget.
One of the best parts of being a volunteer at School on Wheels is that you know you’re doing meaningful work. During my school year, I had to travel 40 minutes every week to my volunteering location, but it didn’t matter, because I know that I am helping children desperately in need of someone to be there for them.
Catherine Kieu
Region 1
Catherine is always keen to help and builds a rapport with her students in no time. She is very creative and inspires her students to spread their wings.
Manmeet Sodhi, Regional Coordinator
It has always been a goal of mine to be a hero to others. I saw this as an opportunity to inspire these kids to be heroes to others as well.
One of my students was hard of hearing. She was shy and sweet, and I encouraged her to teach me sign language as a way to build up her self-confidence. After the tutoring session, the coordinator at the shelter texted me that she was so happy and confident after the online tutoring. She was even chatting and showing people sign language. I was really proud of her and of myself as a tutor.
If you are considering becoming a volunteer tutor, don’t hesitate! Trust me, this experience is so valuable, you will cherish it for the rest of your life.