Most people start volunteering in their community for personal reasons such as benefits and getting extra credit in a class or how good it will look on their transcript. I decided to help tutor elementary kids afterschool to be an encouragement to them in their academic life. Little did I know that these kids would actually help me develop into a responsible young woman. Agreeing to be a tutor and a mentor to these kids was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
I remember my first day at Eastside Church of the Nazarene. All I saw was chaotic little kids running around and complaining about everything including their peers every chance they get. I was so sure that I was going to develop a chronic headache after a few days of tutoring due to my bias view of younger children since I am the oldest of four kids. I was trying to emotionally get myself ready for it.
After a few days of getting to know them personally, there was an undeniable bond between me and the kids. They were no longer just kids I tutor but sisters and brothers I care for. The radiant smile I see on their faces when I walk through those doors is priceless.
Turning in homework on time is not the only way to show responsibility. Showing up on time to tutor, involvement in all activities we do as a group, interest in ongoing events in the student’s life, and most importantly putting aside and leaving behind any personal problems I may be dealing with, are primary factors in my development as a