Paying it forward in action.

After becoming aware of our city's public school tutoring program, I readily joined and was a participant for several years.  When my church began its own tutoring/mentoring program, I became involved as the devotional leader and a tutor.  I have participated in these capacities for nine years.

Having an opportunity to impact a young person in a variety of areas is so appealing to me and the return investment is seeing him or her grow in confidence and success.  In the process, I gain a friend and I have a  lot of fun along the way.  If I can make even one positive difference for a student, it is very worthwhile.

An added benefit is sharing the joys and struggles of these young people with the other tutors and then having us work together to bring about the most good for each child.  It offers much satisfaction when we are able to witness the changes and growth of the individual students and of them as a group.  We work not only in the academic realm, but also with the socialization aspects of life. 

A tutor doesn't always realize the impact he or she makes on a week-by-week basis with the student. so it is very exciting to hear reports from the principal and teachers about progress made and attitudes improved.  But even if encouraging feedback doesn't always come, it still is rewarding in and of itself to give some of yourself to someone else.  That's its own reward!

Dianne
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