Volunteer Experience

During my High School, I participated in numerous volunteering experiences. These became some times of growth that brought immense meaning to my life. On my way to class one day, I ran into a table where tabling for Children Beyond Our Borders was taking place. I took one of their flyers and attended the interest meeting that took place that very day. Immidiately I was drawn to its mission and knew it was something that I wanted to be involved with. CBOB is a non-profit organization that aims to bridge the education of immigrant students that are learning English as a second language. My volunteer experience was exceptional and that is all thanks to Nira. She is the young girl that I tutored throughout the 2 years I participated in this program. Nira immigrated from Guatemala just 6 months before I met her, and she could barely form a sentence back when she started the tutoring. The school was quite challenging for her since the school did not provide any support services and she had to keep up with the rest of the class. I am proud to say that she now speaks and understands English. She knows how to read and is more confident with her school- work. Nira learned a lot from me, but she also taught me a ton. She is the embodiment of endurance, tenacity, and hopefulness. Nira did not give up on her work, even when it was challenging. 

Once I graduate, I am going to be serving in an AmeriCorps program called City Year. A big factor in my decision was that I would have the opportunity to work with other kids like Nira. Children that are neglected in the school system and are left to struggle through it. I know that working with Nira has helped me gain essential skills I will need to take on this new task. I am honored to have this opportunity and hope to be part of many educational successes in the coming year.