Volunteers of the Month – Oct. 2020
Stephanie Luong
Region 1
Stephanie is an amazing tutor. She has been tutoring from Singapore since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Stephanie is currently tutoring three students, and despite the 15 hour time difference, she has never missed a session or logged late. Her persistence and enthusiasm to help her students are so inspiring.
Manmeet Sodhi, Coordinator
I learned about School on Wheels through my school counselor. I started volunteering because I love working with kids and thought it would be meaningful to provide them with the support every child needs.
During the last session with one of my students, he said that I was the reason he passed math that year. I could not have been prouder or happier!
If you’re thinking about volunteering, go in with an open mind, and have patience. Whether you know it or not, you are making a difference in a person’s life.
Jennyfer Han
Online
Jennyfer is a dedicated and proactive tutor. She goes out of her way to make sure her students have the best tutoring experience possible and are excelling in their schoolwork. I’m so glad Jennyfer is part of the School on Wheels family!
Emma Gerch, Coordinator
I volunteer because I want to give back to my community as much as I can. I really believe that a strong education increases the odds of a more fulfilling life. By helping those who are less fortunate than I was growing up, I am able to help them get a step closer to achieving their life goals.
I feel happiest during my time tutoring when my student Daniel really understands the harder topics we work on. It means I was able to convey difficult concepts in a way that he was able to comprehend and absorb. Tutoring allows me to hone my own skills in establishing a social connection with another person.
For those who are interested in becoming a tutor, it is worth your time and effort to try helping those in need, especially during these times. We need these students to learn, now more than ever, the worth that each person holds and the difference that each person is able to make in the world. I believe that it is our job as American citizens to help educate the newer generation in generosity, civility, and the value that another person holds in the world.
Lihi Shadmi & Aviv Wilder
Region 5
I nominated Lihi & Aviv because of their dedication to their student! They did in-person tutoring last year & quickly made the switch to support Steven online. They are always cheerful & eager to learn better ways to support their student.
Jesse Pasquan, Coordinator
Finding School on Wheels was such a gift! My son was approaching the age where I wanted to instill in him the importance of giving back to his community. Being volunteer tutors fills this need perfectly, and provides so many memorable days.
Once, instead of the lesson we had planned, our student Steven told us he wanted to read a book that I had given him for his birthday. As it turned out we had two copies at home, so all 3 of us were able to take turns reading from the same book. It was great!
If you’re considering volunteering with School on Wheels, do it!
Tolulope Popoola
Region 2
Tee is a dedicated and creative tutor who consistently goes the extra mile for his student. Since Day 1, he has helped his student grow emotionally and academically. Tee has done so much in motivating and inspiring his student to accomplish his goals. I genuinely appreciate his devotion to education and School on Wheels!
Carlie Whittaker, Coordinator
I began volunteering with School on Wheels several years ago, in part due to my belief that my community will only improve when I become involved and take action.
One experience that always makes me smile is when the student I am tutoring is able to correct me in an error as we work through school assignments. Since I am usually in the position of correcting them, they take such great joy in pointing out my errors! While it can be embarrassing, it also makes me proud and brings me joy, as it shows they are paying attention and understanding the material.
Working as a volunteer tutor is a great way to leave a positive footprint in the life of a child. For some students, these tutoring sessions are a rare opportunity to connect with a role model figure and it is quite evident to me that this can have a profound effect on their development, both in academics and their personal lives.