Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 27, 1995 TAG: 9501270004
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: LAURA ZIVKOVICH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Long
Elementary-school children color, play tag and learn the three R's.
College students watch MTV, party and attend class ... sometimes. Some might say their social circles need not - and should not - mix.
But the 20 Virginia Tech students who spend each week volunteering in local elementary schools shatter stereotypes and bring these two worlds together.
The students are part of the YMCA of Virginia Tech's tutoring program, which started in 1987 at Harding Elementary School. The program has since spread throughout the five Blacksburg elementary schools, promoting the YMCA's mission of student leadership and development.
"The program gives students a study break, a connection with the community and, a lot of times, a chance to see children again. They miss interaction with kids and families." said Martha Peters, codirector of student programs for the YMCA of Virginia Tech.
All together, the Tech students spend nearly 40 hours a week in elementary classrooms, the equivalent of an extra full-time employee. Most of the volunteers stay with one class throughout the semester and get to know the children well. They may be spotted reading stories, tutoring in math, running around the playground or sharing their experiences over Tater Tots and a carton of milk.
Each school has two student coordinators, veterans of the program, who link the volunteers to the school and YMCA staffs. They teach the training seminars, schedule the tutoring sessions and motivate tutors. They hold office hours each week to offer advice and help resolve any problems that come up during the semester.
The program fosters a symbiotic relationship between the schools and the volunteers. Teachers appreciate the extra help. With large classes, they cannot always stop to help students who have fallen behind in particular subjects.
"Teachers can't spend all of their time with one student. The volunteers help to catch them up," said Dana Wittig, student coordinator at Prices Fork Elementary.
The children find friends as well as guidance and help with their studies. The tutors are neither teachers nor peers, but seem like older siblings or cousins - not as stern as adults, but still with the mystery and intrigue of independence.
The students say the biggest reward they get is the affection and respect of the children.
Karen Kinkead helped Harding Avenue Elementary kindergarteners in a computer lab last year. After she missed a week for spring break, one child printed out a letter saying, "dear karen how i missed you im glad to see you." Punctuation and capital letters weren't necessary to get the point across.
"I still have it on my refrigerator," Kinkead said.
When Margaret Beeks elementary pupils recorded their feelings about the tutors last year, program leader Sangita Patel was thrilled to read the responses. The children were all glad to have them. Some drew suns in Patel's honor, never learning to properly say her first name, which is pronounced SUN-gita. A more-than-appropriate metaphor, it resembles not only her name, but her way of sharing warmth with the children.
The program helps the volunteers in the decisions they face as college students. Cheli West, a junior now majoring in family and child development, came to Tech with the idea of becoming a teacher. As a result of her experiences as a volunteer and a program leader at Gilbert Linkous Elementary, she realized she would prefer to work with children outside the classroom.
Patel began her undergraduate work with plans to become a psychologist. She joined the tutoring program because she enjoyed her experiences as a summer camp counselor. Now she plans to get a master's degree in education after finishing a triple major in history, psychology and liberal arts and sciences. She hopes to become a teacher and, eventually, a principal.
The program reinforced her desire to be around children. A few years ago "I didn't feel I had anything in common with them," she said. Three years in the tutoring program changed her mind. "I feel comfortable with my abilities with children. Teaching is what I want to do."
John Crisafulli, a senior biology major with plans to become a pediatrician, stopped by Harding Elementary three years ago and asked if he could volunteer. The school staff referred him to the YMCA. He is now a program leader at Harding and is the only student to serve on the executive committee of the YMCA Board of Directors.
Whatever their field, the volunteers will certainly be able to enhance resumes with experience in community service and working with young children.
YMCA executive director Barbara Michelsen and Peters, who organizes the program and others from a tiny office in Squires Student Center, couldn't ask for better help.
"The hardest thing about this program is saying goodbye," said Michelsen, a statement echoed by the teachers, volunteers and pupils.
These Tech students leave more than their parents' money in Blacksburg. They pass on knowledge, patience and some love to the next generation who will not forget their help.
To qualify as tutors, students must pass a criminal record check, complete a one-time training session and be available to volunteer at least two hours per week. For more information, contact Martha Peters, at 231-3734, or stop by her office at 312 Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech.
by CNB