Peer Tutoring by Kiley

Peer Tutoring by Kiley - April 2022 Scholarship Essay

My greatest involvement in an activity of significance has most definitely been my service as a peer tutor. At my high school, we need to receive fifteen service hours every year. At first, I saw tutoring as an opportunity to get service hours, but I found it more enjoyable than I expected because I love helping people and teaching math. Then, I had a conversation with my counselor, and she told me that the students I tutored would come to her and tell her that I was very compassionate, understanding, and nonjudgmental. She also complimented me saying that I am viewed as a person who implements the Golden Rule every day in my life, and it seems very innate to me, even if I am having a bad day, I make sure that it does not affect the people around me. They also said that I made them feel very comfortable with asking me questions and breakthrough the academic avoidance they had with math. It is exceptionally rewarding to work with the students one-on-one and be able to witness their growth. Being able to hear back when they do well on a quiz or when the math finally clicks for them is a great experience for me. Watching them build their confidence with math is a substantial adventure, and it really shows me how much I make a difference for them and how they greatly appreciate my help and kindness. My counselor explained to me that especially post-COVID, the learning gaps have been very significant, and the time required to close learning gaps has become longer and more intense. Students’ tolerance thresholds are much lower than normal, so it takes more work to get them caught up and bridge those gaps. Since COVID, learning gaps, depression, and anxiety have increased exponentially. I can relate to many of the students I tutor because I also suffer from both anxiety and depression. Being able to relate to students in different ways allows me to connect with them and make them feel more comfortable and not on an island with mental health. Whether it is for peer tutoring or preparing presentation packets, I am constantly in the counseling office helping students and making it a safe place where all students and staff want to be. In a way, tutoring has helped me connect with my school and community. After high school, I hope to continue volunteering in college and beyond. I want to help in a greater community around me and make a safe space for anybody to come for help. I work daily to show the Golden Rule through my actions, and even though it is innate the significance of it is that it creates an environment of support, compassion, and thoughtfulness that everyone needs at multiple points in their life, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or what their struggles are.