The Kids I've Tutored,
Thanks for being hardworking, vulnerable, silly, strong, and most importantly – yourselves! I will never be able to rave enough about each of you, and I wanted to seize an opportunity to memorialize some of my thoughts.
First – a word or two about my at-times rigid approach. I know I often require that work be completed in a certain, specific way. I hope you know this is solely rooted in my desire to maximize your growth and confidence. You are all capable of much more than you realize, and my aim in our sessions has always been to shine a spotlight on your potential!
Second – our time together. One of my favorite aspects of tutoring is the end of the year, when I step back and reflect upon how our relationship has evolved. Usually, September tutoring sessions are predictable: discussions revolve around subject matter, we do not yet know each other, and there's a consequential sense of formality in the air. As the year progresses, however, our relationship develops: I learn about you and your goals; in turn, you learn about me and my tutoring style. As we learn about each other in this context, we simultaneously learn about each other as people, and we ultimately become friends.
It is gratifying to witness you all after receiving a good grade, accomplishing a goal, or overcoming a challenge. I root for each of you at every step of the way, and it warms my heart to see you happy. Just as much as I value the positive days, however, it is equally as important to me that you see me as a resource during difficult times. Often, teenagers shy away from vulnerability and a willingness to open up. I am grateful we have established enough trust in one and other to welcome honest conversation.
I hope you all know that whatever life throws your way, I am here to help. I am here for the celebratory moments, the trying moments, the advice-seeking moments, and every moment in-between. Thanks to each of you for showing me the power of relationships rooted in a desire to help. Take it from me - when you work to improve the lives of others, you often find yourself as the person most fulfilled.
Your friend,
Jess
