Volunteer Spotlight: Paige

How long have you been volunteering with TLA?

On and off since 2011, as my work schedule has allowed. I think I’ve been matched with ten different students over the years.

Why did you decide to volunteer at TLA?

One of my employers encouraged us to volunteer in the community. After researching and learning about the mission of Project Reads, I felt strongly about their work to improve early literacy and wanted to get involved!

What has been the best part of your experience so far?

I enjoy working with my student and seeing their progress from week to week. It’s exciting to watch them grow from feeling unsure about reading to gaining confidence and enjoying it. I also love talking to the other volunteers, and the site facilitators do a fantastic job of making the program run smoothly.

What have you learned about yourself and/or about others through volunteering at The Literacy Alliance?

To never give up, even when things get hard! Seeing students succeed is a great reminder that learning can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding.

If you were to encourage someone else to volunteer with our organization, what would you say?

Don’t be afraid to give it a try! The site facilitators and The Literacy Alliance staff provide excellent support and training, ensuring you feel prepared in the classroom each week. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience!

What is one of your favorite books you would suggest others read?

For children’s books, I love the Penelope Rex series by Ryan T. Higgins. The books follow Penelope, a T. rex, as she navigates school and life in a world of humans. The illustrations are adorable, and the stories are so fun to read aloud.

For an adult book, one of my favorites is Beautiful Country by Qian Julie Wang. It’s her memoir of growing up in New York City as an undocumented immigrant, navigating life on the margins while her family pursues the American dream.