Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Entry by Megan

Varsity Tutors College Scholarship Entry by Megan - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

This year I began tutoring first-grade students at Elda Elementary every day after school. I volunteer an hour of my time and help the children with their reading, writing, and listening skills. Some are advanced, some are average, and some have already begun struggling in a school environment. Nevertheless, I enjoy being around every single one of them. Tutoring first-graders has been very eye-opening; it has shown me how much of an impact I can have on 27 seven-year-olds. The children look up to me, watching and copying every action I make. I am creating a lasting impression on these children.
Looking back on the past few months, it is inspiring to me how much these seven-year-olds have learned. In the first week of school, the majority could not complete a simple addition problem. Now the majority of them are proudly part of the “Doubles Club.” This club is a huge achievement for the first-graders because it means they have mastered their doubles addition facts. At first, tutoring every day was difficult. A bad day at high school would make me want to go home rather than tutor. However, I have never allowed myself to miss tutoring. I volunteered to help teach these children, and it would be selfish if I chose myself over them. No matter what is occurring in school or my personal life, I ensure that I not only attend tutoring, but that I attend with a smile. After a few weeks of becoming used to balancing College Credit Plus classes and tutoring, daily tutoring became easier. Plus, the bonds I began to form with the children were heartwarming. Each of them is beyond unique with an enjoyable personality whether it be filled with seven-year-old sass or sweetness. I have spent these past few months figuring out each of their learning styles so that I may better impact their understanding of the content. I want to have a positive impact on each one of these children. I love the class that I am tutoring, and watching their growth over the months is beyond rewarding.
This experience will continue to make a positive difference in the future because I plan to continue tutoring first graders in the years to come. The children I tutor have made me realize that I can continue positively impacting lives in the future. I can continue tutoring first graders in the years to come and create an even greater positive impact on our leaders of tomorrow.