“MS. MARTHAAAA!!”  “AHH, It’s you!!” “Can I please work with you?!!!” were some of the uplifting, heartwarming, and rewarding comments I heard working with students at Lewiston High School, Hillview Housing Development, Connors Elementary School, and Montello Elementary School over the extended break in January. And if you, too, got the opportunity to work with some wonderful students over the break, you know exactly what I am talking about — the love and connection that is created when one takes the time to form genuine relationships and invest in the success of the student. I must admit that tutoring online has come with its own set of challenges. Virtually, valuable pieces of interaction are lost because it is much more difficult to gauge a student’s reaction or emotional state, making it harder to get direct feedback. Despite all of this, being hundreds of miles away, and having to deal with spotty internet connections, it was amazing to work alongside wonderful and dedicated tutors to continue to help foster safe, joyful, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for students through the shared goal of solving a homework problem. 

During the college’s extended winter break, I got the opportunity to engage virtually with the wonderful students of Lewiston in a myriad of meaningful ways, such as planning and leading activities, tutoring, and offering support through mentorship. Through this efficacious and worthwhile experience, not only did I gain invaluable interpersonal skills such as patience and understanding, but I also learned about effective techniques to persuade and motivate. Working with students of all levels, energies, and dedication, I quickly learned the benefits of communication and being flexible and creative with the ways I engaged with them. I learned that by uncovering what motivates the students, I am able to adapt my goals to meet their needs, communicate with them more effectively, and gain mutual support and respect. I will give two examples. If a student is interested in soccer and is having trouble with math, I can frame problems in a way that applies the concepts of a soccer game. Another example would be when a student cannot focus and is more interested in talking with you. Sometimes they just want to get to know you or want to vent about something. Instead of ignoring them, use this information as a motivator. I like to use the phrase “If you finish two problems, I will answer one question.” This encourages perseverance. I have also found that a salient component in encouraging the development of grit is to praise effort and not the outcome. Students get accustomed to feedback like “fantastic” and “perfect,” and the affirmation starts to mean less and less. Another thing I have learned is to allow the students to struggle at first. Swooping in to save the child at the first sight of a struggle prevents the child from associating struggle and frustrations with the learning process. Instead, I have learned to support their effort and step in when necessary. I have treasured these experiences, for they have not only helped me gain new friends and an understanding of the world through different perspectives but have also helped me gain purpose and an opportunity to proactively contribute to the betterment of the Lewiston community. 

Community has always been interwoven in my life, and as time progresses, I find that it is so much more than just the people around you. It’s the interactions and bonds formed between people that define the strength of the community. Tutoring has offered me the opportunity to see firsthand the beauty and power of the relationships created amongst the children. 

Through my shared journey, I have learned to be compassionate with myself and understand that learning is a process that takes time and patience. I am grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity to work with the Lewiston community and to continue to contribute to the legacy and shared values of community, respect, love, and understanding established by the incredible community here at Bates College.

If you want to learn more about my experience working with the Lewiston community or want to get more involved and are struggling to get started (or want to say hi), don’t be afraid to reach out to me. I’d be happy to help in any way I can. 🙂

– Martha Reyes ’23