Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom: Keana Labra’s Tutoring Story
For many students, the biggest challenge is not the material. It is how they feel about it.
That is something Keana Labra noticed right away when she began tutoring with BATA in Fall 2025. Working in the Mount Pleasant Elementary School District (MPESD), she supports two afterschool groups at August Boeger Elementary, where students often come in carrying more than just homework.
“Sometimes, the students feel shame or disinterest in their curriculum,” she explains. “So when they are engaged and participating, it makes it all the more meaningful to experience.”
Turning Disengagement into Participation
In just a short time, Keana has already seen what is possible when students feel supported.
Rather than focusing only on assignments, she prioritizes connection. She builds trust, creates a safe environment, and meets students where they are. Over time, that approach has paid off. Her students have begun to open up, participate more actively, and engage with learning in ways that did not feel possible before.
“My students and I have built a rapport of trust and support,” she says.
That kind of relationship is often the turning point. When students feel seen, they are more willing to take risks. Raising their hand, asking questions, or simply trying.
Why Tutoring Matters
Keana’s passion for tutoring is rooted in her own experiences. With a love for English literature, especially poetry, as well as history, philosophy, and art, she understands how transformative education can be when students are guided in the right way.
“I reflect on my own experiences and notice where particular teachers and tutors helped guide me toward my passions today,” she shares. “The fact that I can do the same for my students makes this incredibly fulfilling.”
For her, tutoring is about more than academic support. It is about access, opportunity, and long-term impact.
“Students are the future of our society, and knowledge is the foundation of access,” she says. “We must always advocate for the education of all our youth.”
A Community That Supports Tutors and Students
Beyond her work with students, Keana has also found a strong sense of community within BATA.
“BATA is one of the highlights of my day,” she says. “I look forward to being on campus with my fellow tutors and students.”
That sense of consistency, being placed at one school and building relationships over time, has been a meaningful part of her experience. It has allowed her to feel grounded in her work and more connected to the students she serves.
Advice for Future Tutors
For those considering becoming a tutor, Keana keeps it simple.
“Ask for help if you need it. Everyone is there to support you and your students.”
It is a reminder that tutoring is not something you do alone. It is part of a larger effort to support students in meaningful, lasting ways.
Why Stories Like This Matter
Stories like Keana’s highlight what high-impact tutoring really looks like.
It is not just about improving grades. It is about changing how students see themselves as learners.
And sometimes, that change starts with something small.
A student choosing to participate.
A moment of connection.
A shift in confidence.
That is where real progress begins.
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