Volunteer Stories
As an adult educator in Central Texas for 10 years, I have met many remarkable people. Many of my students have overcome challenges I can only imagine. My students inspire me to be a better teacher. They inspire me to do what I can to make my classroom a safe place - a place where they can grow.
~Amy Flynn, Volunteer
From Literacy Links, Volume 7, No.4
http://www-tcall.tamu.edu/newsletr/sum03/sum03b.htm
I get a sense of real satisfaction from this. Just seeing the lights go on in the student's head when they grasp something makes me feel wonderful.
~Ethel Gernsey of Portage, Volunteer
From Literacy Links, Volume 7, No.4
http://www.nwiliteracy.org/help.html
The most rewarding thing about this is to feel the excitement she feels as she makes progress.
~Nancy Hecht, Volunteer
From Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition
http://www.nwiliteracy.org/help.html
One middle-management executive in a large corporation read about the literacy problem in his city, and believing everyone has the right to know how to read, he felt an urgent call to do something. Never having taught, he was hesitant about his ability, but, even so, signed up for the workshops. “Twenty-five of us, from all walks of life, attended. We completed the training, sharing a bond of commitment, knowing that some of us would be teaching in the inner city, some in suburbs, some in rural areas. We would be teaching people of all ages, people with widely varied backgrounds.”
He continues his observations. “I’ve been teaching my student now for over three months. He and I are both learning. He’s learning to read and write, and I have a new respect for people who must compensate for not being able to read.
~Ruth Colvin
From Benefits of Being a Literacy Volunteer (48-49)
Peter Wycliffe was a construction worker whose job took him all over the state and often across state lines. His wife called LVA, explaining that Peter needed one-to-one tutoring, but could be in the area only for a limited time. At the same time, Dan Flanigan, a former LVA volunteer, had lost his job and was sliding into depression. His wife suggested that tutoring someone probably would help him as much as it would help someone else. So Peter and Dan were matched.
Peter was an extraordinary student. In spite of his long work hours, he spent two-hour sessions three times a week with Dan, taking more work home. Peter’s job has taken him elsewhere, but he continues to send cards and letters to his good friend, his former tutor, Dan.
What more can any tutor ask?
~Ruth Colvin
From Benefits of Being a Literacy Volunteer (48-49)
12/01/05