Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 21, 1994 TAG: 9506210011
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Age: 16
School: Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke
Year: Junior
What she does: Natasha volunteers twice a week at The West End Center For Youth, tutoring elementary school children and helping them with their homework. She has also tutored at Raleigh Court Elementary School and at Burrell Nursing Home.
``Natasha has established successful and meaningful relationships with the children she has tutored,'' wrote Joy Parrish, tutorial director at the center, who nominated her. ``She always seems to be in control of the children when she works with them, but still manages to maintain a friendly and productive atmosphere.''
Natasha is well liked by the children and is often seen with one of them hugging her or having his or her arm around her as they work together.
``Natasha has been the most faithful among our teen-age volunteers,'' Parrish said. ``A lot of our adult volunteers look for staff assistance, but she's worked completely independently. She comes in, gets busy and does a good job.''
As one of the few volunteers who lives in the neighborhood the center serves, and the only teen-ager among them, Natasha sets an example for the pupils she tutors.
``I believe that Natasha's influence as a role model for the children is strengthened by her being their neighbor,'' Parrish said. ``We can talk to them a lot, but when someone from their neighborhood, who they can identify with, talks, it speaks louder to them.''
Why she does it: ``It makes me feel good that I'd doing something for my neighborhood,'' Natasha said. ``I like to work with kids, and tutoring just seems to come naturally to me.
``It's easier for the kids to relate to me because I'm one of the younger tutors. The kids think I'm crazy so they don't mind being around me, and they listen.''
Other activities: As a student at The Center for Advanced Studies in Humanities at her school, Natasha has a demanding academic schedule. She is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and sings in her church choir.
Obstacles: ``The kids try to distract me, and sometimes it's hard to get them to do their homework. I try to play a little game with them - and I usually bring lollipops for afterwards.''
What she's learned: ``Kids can be very sneaky, and I have to be a little bit sneakier. It takes a lot of patience to work with kids.
``One of the kids never wanted to do her homework, never wanted to talk. Now she does her homework before I even get there so we have more time to talk.
``It feels good to know I've made a difference.''
Future plans: ``I'd like to go to Virginia Tech's vet school. I've wanted to be a vet all my life.''
Extra Credit nominees must be 12-18 and volunteering of their own choice. If part of a group, the teen must have initiated the activity.
Send in the teen's name, age, phone number, what he or she does, for how long, and how it has helped someone else. Include your name and phone number. Mail nominations to Extra Credit, c/o Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010
This twice-monthly column spotlights teen-agers who are using their own initiative to make a difference in our neighborhoods, schools and communities. We think they deserve a public thank-you for helping other people. Nominations are sent in by our readers (see guidelines at end of story).
by CNB