Volunteer Spotlight: Reading Partners LA’s Nancy Carlson
January 22, 2021
The following was originally published in Reading Partners LA’s email newsletter on January 22, 2021 and is republished below with permission. Learn more about Reading Partners here.
With the virtual world feeling so unfamiliar to so many, navigating the unique expectations of online volunteering can be a daunting task. That’s why it’s been so inspiring to see many of our former in-person volunteers meet this new challenge head-on, no matter their experience with technology. This month, we’re highlighting one of our incredible Reading Partners Connects tutors, Nancy Carlson, who shared a little about her own transition to online volunteering.
Previously a tutor at F. D. Roosevelt Elementary, Nancy reflected on the differences between being in-person with students and building relationships virtually. “I was comfortable with and enjoyed the in-person interaction with the students,” Nancy shares. “Being on their campus and having a chance to walk with the student, chat, and work side-by side gave me so much insight into their world and interests. I confess I was concerned about losing the very personal interaction from which both student and tutor gained so much when transitioned to an on-screen only environment.”
When asked to join us as an online tutor, Nancy first thought of the students she’d worked with through the years. “I love tutoring these young students and could not imagine losing the opportunity to continue this enriching experience just because of a new challenge for me that seemed somewhat intimidating — new technology.” says Nancy. “If I expected my students to learn why ‘thumb’ has a silent ‘b’ on the end or that ‘soar’ and ‘sore’ sound the same, but are not the same in any other way, surely I should step up and be tutored in something new myself. I swallowed my pride and dove into the ‘screen’ world I had been avoiding.”
As she began her journey as a Reading Partners Connects tutor, Nancy was happily surprised by the virtual space Reading Partners had created. “When I saw the material, detail and thoughtfulness of the Reading Partners Connects approach, I was hooked,” says Nancy. “I could only imagine the passion, effort, energy and ‘smarts’ of the Reading Partners team putting this together, and it propelled me forward. Yes, I struggled initially and still find new ways to create ‘glitches’ but the staff is there continuously to support and encourage.”
Nancy now volunteers with Reading Partners twice weekly via Zoom, and with the support of her wonderful site coordinator, Davis, delivers high quality, personalized instruction to her students. In her words, “This works, it actually works! I still feel I am able to contribute to young, eager minds and have learned a great deal myself in the process.”
When asked what she would say to anyone who was hesitant to sign up for Reading Partners Connects, Nancy kept it simple: “Do not be intimidated by this new environment; if you, like me, are a novice, the support provided is exemplary. Know that you actually can develop a student/tutor relationship in this environment that is enriching and satisfying and gets results.” She’s also grateful to be avoiding one particular aspect of elementary school classrooms: “An added bonus: no tiny chairs!”
Thank you, Nancy, for your exemplary volunteerism!