Site: La Salle Academy – New York City, NY
College: Saint Mary’s College of California
What do you do?
I am a full time tutor in the academic support center. I help students complete their homework assignments, study for exams, and provide assistance with the college application process.
Why did you choose to become a Lasallian Volunteer? Have your hopes about the Program been realized?
Being a Lasallian Volunteer is important to me because it provides me with the opportunity to make a difference in the life of others. Even if the impact that I have on a student’s life is small, it is still meaningful. It gives me great joy to know that I am a positive role model for the students here at La Salle Academy. My ultimate goal in being a volunteer is to show the students that despite their adversaries, they can be successful in life. It is my hope that when students look at me, and see a complexion similar to their own, they say; “if she can do, then I can too.”
What is the most important “thing,” do you think, that your students/clients/guests need from you? What do you do to try to provide this?
I think that the most essential thing that the students need from me is my support. As a tutor/mentor I feel as though it is my job to offer these boys as much support and encouragement as possible. At this point in the school year there are students who come to the academic support center, who do not need help with their homework. The simply come in to say hello, or to get girl friend advice, or even fashion advice. I truly believe that just the presence of the volunteers in the school is a comfort to the students, and for me that feeling is priceless. Therefore, for the remainder of this school year and all of next year I will do my very best to be as supportive as I possibly can.
Have you noticed any signs of success in your work? What are they?
In my opinion a sign of my success as a volunteer is, students from the junior class constantly asking me if I am going to return next year because they want me to help them with their college applications and be at their graduation. Their request for me to be here next year lets me know that I am important to them. Their want for me to be here, only heightens my desire to be here for them next year. This is my sign that I am successfully doing my job here at La Salle Academy.
Why would you recommend the LV program to a college senior considering volunteering?
I would recommend the volunteer program because I feel as though this is an experience that is comparable to none. Throughout the course of this year not only have I grown as a person, but I have also learned so much about myself. The idea of helping people for betterment, and living in community with Brothers is a practice that is unique to the Lasallian Volunteer program. The core values of the program are Faith, Community, and Service; I am growing everyday in my spirituality, I am learning about myself and others through community, and I am successfully providing service at La Salle Academy. Furthermore, this experience is priceless and life changing, and something that I think everyone should experience.