Let’s just say service learning is not for the weak.
SAWA Online Tutoring
During my first college semester, I took a course called “ELL (English Language Learner) Literacy Development” where I became a tutor in English instructional learning. In this course, I learned pedagogical techniques, gained insight into educational theory, developed customized lesson plans, created reports, and participated in teaching demonstrations – all skills I utilized when tutoring my virtual learner, Hala Kattoub.
Hala, a 7th grade student and eldest daughter among her siblings, is both a native Arabic speaker and remarkably focused. She possesses an exceptional level of determination and her unique quirks add an element of charm to her introverted personality. As my time progressed with Hala, not only did I gain a better understanding of her academic strengths and weaknesses, I learned many characteristics about her. She often struggled with mathematical and scientific concepts, navigating the socio-economic struggles, and recognizing her own value. In these moments I realized that I am not only a tutor but can also be an emotional outlet and mentor for my students. Being an FGLI student and bilingual learner myself I empathize with many of her struggles and to put it simply I saw myself in her. In addition to meeting her academic needs, we naturally built an emotional connection to one another. Our weekly sessions together resembles that of check ups – progressing on her homework, playing icebreakers, and self care. Every meeting we began with breathing exercises, gave each other a recap of our week, followed/adjusted our academic lesson plan of the day, and ended with more breathing exercises and affirmations.
Beman Middle School In-person Tutoring
In my second semester, I had the amazing opportunity to work at Beman! This job not only allowed me to gain valuable field experience but also provided a means to connect with the young members of my new community. Working with students in Ms. Ballanchino’s ESL class was an absolute joy. The atmosphere they created was filled with warmth, relaxation, and playfulness, which made my time memorable. Amongst the students, I developed strong bonds with 2 incredible students, Maylin Pilliza and Lindsay Rodriguez. Their enthusiasm (craziness) and dedication to learning made my experience even more rewarding.
Maylin, a 6th grader and native Spanish speaker, is an enthusiastic and hyperactive student. She actively participated in class discussions, fearlessly asking questions and expressing her opinions without hesitation. While Maylin has a strong grasp of English conversations and occasionally responds in English, her primary language of conversation is Spanish. I provided assistance in translating scientific and historical materials and helped her answer comprehension questions. She is a resilient student, who takes pride in being a first generation student. During lunchtime we would sit together, creating a space where she felt comfortable enough to open up and confide in me. It was during these moments that she would openly share her fears and struggles, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of her experiences. I found that many of her concerns resonated with me, as I had encountered similar challenges in my own journey. A memorable moment occurred when Maylin, overwhelmed by familial stress, started crying in class. Without hesitation she sought comfort and solace from me. It was during that vulnerable moment when I understood the depth of trust and reliance that she placed in me, not only as a tutor but as someone she could turn to for support.
Reflections
My experience with SAWA and Beman Middle School has been a continuous learning process, presenting me with various challenges to overcome. However, the rewards have been immensely gratifying as I witness the relief and excitement from my students when I assist them. I deeply empathize with their struggles, including family pressures, academic obligations, and navigating their mental health. Recognizing the emotional nature of their experiences, I prioritize understanding and compassion in my work, conveying the message that success takes different forms for each person. Adapting to their diverse learning styles has taught me the importance of patience with myself. Within the broader context of my own life and process of self-discovery, I have learned that while I can only do so much to meet the unique needs of my students. At times, I found it challenging to prioritize my own well-being, but over time, I have grown more confident in my ability to extend kindness and care for myself.
What's Next?
Alongside being a Beman Tutor this following academic year, I will be a course assistant for my professor’s “Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages” Course in Fall ’23! 🙂
