Emma Makes an Impact as a Tutor

SJ Learns program tutor, Emma

At Bay Area Tutoring Association (BATA), we strive to get to know each one of our volunteers because we know how much their help matters.
Emma, a sophomore at Lynbrook High School, took part in the SJ Learns program this summer. She shared her story with us.
“I joined BATA as a tutor this summer, 2020, and prior to that I had taught a coding class with YMCA for less-privileged students in Palo Alto. Going into BATA, I was enthusiastic but also skeptical. I had looked into a few volunteer organizations in the past, but none provided good instructions for volunteers and made the joining process very difficult.”
“BATA was different in that the board members really went out of their way to get to know all the volunteers. Everyone was extremely welcoming, and soon, I felt like I was part of the big community.”
Emma made her impression during the SJ Learns ELA/Math one-on-one tutoring program. She had a more personal experience as she describes, “Getting to know my students, Dayla and Jocelyn, and seeing their progress as time progressed was such a wonderful experience. I got to know the girls personally and learn about their families.
Throughout the entire process, I felt so happy to be seeing the girls. The program helped these children not only academically, but also socially and provided a platform for students and tutors to foster relationships.”
Her influence was highlighted as one of the student’s parents, “sent me an email saying how much the one-on-one aspect helped Dayla, who would get distracted otherwise.”
Emma further explains that “This program really opened my eyes to how much of an impact I could make, just with a few hours each day. BATA provided me with the opportunity to foster growth within our society, and I am incredibly grateful for the experience.”
Bay Area Tutoring Association is grateful for your positive impact Emma. Thank you!