How long have you been volunteering with TLA?
This is my third year.
How did you hear about the opportunity to volunteer at TLA?
I read an article in the Journal Gazette written by Melinda Haines. It was an article in the living section about Project Reads that generally explained what it was and the need for volunteers.
What drew you to The Literacy Alliance and this program?
I strongly believe that these young people are our future. Fort Wayne needs smart, capable individuals, and if I can help a child become a stronger reader, I know it will set them on a path to a more successful life. I am a former teacher and know how it can affect a child if the dominos fall or don’t fall into place. I thought to myself, if I can help a child do better, it will help our whole community.
What has been the best part of your experience so far?
What I like about this volunteer opportunity is that it is one-on-one, and you have the same student every week. Seeing the progress has been wonderful—I love it!
I think it is a great way to do it and a great setup. You are assigned one student, and you work together the whole year. That is what I love the most about it.
Do you have a favorite volunteer role/task with our organization?
I really enjoy reading with my student. To have her sit with me, hold the book, and engage in one-on-one reading.
What have you learned about yourself and others through volunteering at The Literacy Alliance?
I wasn’t looking, and this found me. I have learned that even if you are not looking and something finds you—say yes. The benefits that I have gotten from this have been tremendous. I look forward to coming every Monday.
What would you say if you were to encourage someone else to volunteer with our organization?
It is a great experience. Once you go through the training, there are no surprises, and you know exactly what will happen every week. You don’t have to be a teacher to figure it out. The Literacy Alliance lays out the plan and expectations for you. It is just a matter of implementing this plan, getting yourself into the cycle of doing it, and working with the student every single week. It is a great way to volunteer.
You work with a person, not just giving money or being on a board. You are making an impact.
What is one of your favorite books you would suggest others to read?
I would encourage everyone to read Chalie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. I recommend What Would You Do with an Idea by Kobi Yamada for kids. And for all the Jane Austen lovers, pick up Pride and Prejudice.
