When I started working with the kids in Dunkirk through tutoring with Fredonia, I thought I could go there and teach them an important skill, how to read. And as the semester progressed I watched my two students continue to improve in their reading. I went there with the mindset that they needed me to help them and that I could make a difference in their lives. Which yes is possible, but later, as I got out of my comfort zone and started working with some of the same students outside of school on a constant basis, I still wanted to do it because I thought I had something to teach them.
I knew many of them came from broken families, but I never knew how or what that actually meant for them. Even meeting and getting to know the parents a little has given me an inside look as to how their families weren't like me, but that they weren't some group of people just to be seen as people who needed help, but also as people who needed someone to care about them. To care about their academic progress, but also them as individuals. Maslow's hierarchy of needs shows true and some of the students can't focus for a variety of reasons while others really value and benefit from that 2 on 1 time that they get with the tutors. It might be the only time they get that much individual adult attention, especially positive attention. Many of them live in a world where racism and prejudices come up on a regular basis and although the elementary students are less likely to bring it up at school, don't be surprised if it happens. I've had students many times say "You're only doing that cause I'm_____." Doesn't matter what race they are or the fact that I just gave the entire class the exact same direction before repeating it to them individually. It might take some time to learn how to curb our own prejudices (cause all of us do have them at some level) to learn how to connect with the students better.
Now as I spend 6-10 hours a week with some of the students, plus time in the classroom, I've learned they have much to teach me. Building a relationship with them where they can talk about what they like to do, what's happening in their lives, and then connecting your lessons to them is worth the effort. They've taught me about the importance of the bonds of family and friends, the impact of racism and prejudice on how I view the world that I never knew was in me, and how to connect with parts of my city that aren't like me. They are teaching me and I hope you enter into tutoring knowing that the reading skills you teach them in school is important, but they also are learning from you as you are a positive role model while you are there. Maybe you'll even get to experience the joy of bumping into them in Walmart and having them excitedly great you. It might not be easy at all times, but it's a great experience to have.
My love for Dunkirk that started through tutoring and serving those who lived there even grew to the point where the next January I organized a group of twenty students to spend a week serving in the community. This Winter Service Trip for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship now is in it's sixth year running and provides even more college students from all majors the chance to impact the community that we live in and has helped shape my life now. Use the tutoring to it's full potential, entering with an open mind and be willing to continue to serve the students after tutoring ends as many other doors exists.
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