Willie Jean Vance cant even talk about her tutoring without choking up.
I love kids, I love working with kids, she says.
They’re my heart.
Don’t make me cry!
I thought it could be something good.
I thought that it would give me a chance to give back.
She attended an information session held at the Martin Luther King Library in San Diego, California.
Reading wasnt always a central part of Willie Jeans life, but Experience Corps has changed that.
When I was growing up, I wasn’t encouraged to read.
So in turn, I didn’t encourage my kids to read.
The program has helped her pass along the importance of reading to the next generation.
I have seen how reading is so important in everything we do.
Without being able to read and understand what you’re reading, you’re very limited.
Experience Corps places a special emphasis on serving diverse populations in high-need communities, which resonates with Willie Jean.
Being African American, I know that even more.
I see it in our communities, so I want to just help all kids.
This year, Willie Jean worked with a second grader who was reading well below grade level.
She’s really behind.
But she would always come to class ready to go, ready to participate.
At first she really didn’t want to read.
A lot of times kids dont want to read because they don’t know how.
And they’re ashamed sometimes.
Jeannie focuses on positive reinforcement, encouraging her even when she makes mistakes.
For Willie Jean, the greatest reward comes from seeing her students take pride in their own progress.
She came into the session and she was so excited.
Willie Jean could hear the joy in being able to read that simple sign.
For me, that was just like wow.
She’s opening up.
She’s bringing you her pride in what she’s been able to do.
Willie Jeans endorsement of the program is resounding.
She says it not only helps the kids, but it benefits her personally.
You’re helping society, number one.
Number two, you’re helping yourself.
If you want these kids to read, then you’ve got to read too.
So it’s encouraging me to do more reading.
Learn Foundation Experience Corpsand how to become a volunteer.
