Stories
Helping to build reading skills in students who are having
difficulty, giving students the extra encouragement they need, and
fostering communication between older and younger generations are just
a few of the ways in which Experience Corps volunteers touch lives.
Here are some of their stories and what people are saying about the program:
Volunteer Stories
Robert Joseph, a retired electrician, likes projects. In his first two months with Experience Corps in Oakland, he
fixed up the school's auditorium and expanded the playground space for
kids to use during recess. His biggest project, however, has been with
the 300 kids arriving before school to get breakfast. He looks out for
certain students that seem to always enter with a scowl. Then he goes
to work, coaxing smiles from them despite the early morning hour, and
exclaiming, "I got you!" We all know how our first interactions in the
morning influence the rest of our day. Now 300 kids in Oakland start
off their day with a warm smile from Mr. Joseph. And the best part for
Mr. Joseph is that he gets to start of his day with 300 new "buddies."
Naomi Baskin gave up a 25-year career in real
estate to join Experience Corps where she spends 15 hours a week
tutoring elementary and middle school students. For Naomi, there's
nothing like the thrill of watching children grow from thinking that
"books are a drag" into avid readers: "I can unequivocally say that I
have found my life's passion!"
Rich Yurman, a retired English professor and poet,
joined Experience Corps in 1999. His first assignment lasted five
years: he was matched with Virginia, a second grader who had recently
immigrated from China. Over the years, he taught her to read and even
"graduated" with her from elementary school on to middle school. Today,
Rich continues to stay in touch with Virginia, but has also returned to
second grade where he is mentoring a budding young poet.
Joyce Goode, a retired sales representative, never
had children, but knew she had a lot pass on to younger generations.
She now tutors elementary school girls in reading and math and launched
an after-school sewing club where kids get to express their creativity
and practice math (without knowing it!) by counting stitches and
designing patterns. Their quilting projects are proudly on display in
the front entrance of the school.
Sergia Canaveral, a retired math teacher from the
Philippines developed a close mentoring relationship with a small group
of Filipino middle school students. Sergia served as their surrogate
grandmother, helping them with homework, hearing about their day, and
pushing them to do their best. When Sergia returned from a year away in
the Philippines where she had been taking care of an ailing family
member, she couldn't wait to come "home" - to her school. She was back
in action the day after her plane landed…
Joyce McDougall, a retired retail clerk and mother
of three, joined Experience Corps at the urging of a neighbor after her
husband passed away. Despite overwhelming challenges at the urban
middle school where she tutors, Joyce made a personal connection with
Johany, a sixth grader who still did not know how to read. With quiet
patience and love, Joyce coached Johany daily and was there to
celebrate with him the day he read his first book. Joyce describes her
tutoring experience perfectly, "When you get to know the kids, they get
into your heart."
"Experience Corps has made a significant impact
on students' learning. Magic happens when volunteers make that
one-on-one or small group connection with children. It's priceless."
- David Wong, Principal, Francis Scott Key Elementary School, San Francisco
"I appreciate Experience Corps because they focus on careful matches.
They bring in more than just bodies. They bring in hearts and minds to
work with the kids. "
- Carol Johnson, Principal, Santa Fe Elementary School, Oakland"We're very proud of the achievements made this year. We've met and
exceeded the academic requirements expected of us. We have a very
strong team of teachers, but we also have a strong system of support
through Experience Corps."
- Dr. Raymond Isola, Principal, Sanchez Elementary School, San Francisco"Our children need someone who can provide love, and our Experience
Corps member does just that. I wish Experience Corps was all over the
school district. I've never seen anything that's clicked like this. I
wish we could plug it in everywhere."
- Mr. Allen, Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher, Emerson Elementary School, Oakland"Most students need a personable 'nudge' to be ready to learn.
Experience Corps volunteers have learned names and individual needs and
been there to 'nudge' otherwise unfocused students. One on one contact
with a motivated, loving older adult has made a positive change in our
school!"
- Ms. Fought, After School Program Director, Malcolm X Academy, San Francisco"Jessica, a third grader from the Philippines, came running up to me
after her first session with an Experience Corps volunteer and said
with excitement: 'Ms. Virginia speaks Tagalog!' Now, every Thursday
afternoon, Jessica asks, 'Is Ms. Virginia coming today? Is it 3 o'clock
yet? Can I go look for her?' She has found a safe and accepting
environment to hone her English skills, and for the first time, she is
reading at grade level and is eager to come to school."
- After School Instructor, Francis Scott Key Elementary School, San Francisco
"Rose inspires me. We get energy from each other. It is exciting to see
someone who cares about language and cares about writing and cares
about books."
- Rich, Experience Corps Member"I've been having trouble sleeping lately, so it's been difficult to
get up in the morning. But once I get moving, I realize, this is good.
Working with the children makes life worth living. It makes it all
worthwhile."
- Rima, Experience Corps Member"I always felt that even with my children and all the children that I
tutored, if you can find the key to that one child, you can open
everything up, it's like looking for treasure."
- Naomi, Experience Corps Member"I've often wondered if I do in fact offer the children as much as they
offer me, because I'm very excited about getting up in the morning.
I've gotten a glimpse back into the world of innocence, a world that I
came from and somewhere along the line of maturing, lost. And every day
I'm reminded of what I've lost by looking at the kids, and I sort of
want that back for myself. And I get it every day."
- Ronnie, Experience Corps Member"I get the most wonderful satisfaction working one-on-one with children
learning English. They can be brilliant in their written work, but the
challenge is to draw them more and more into conversation. It's the
most rewarding thing to see them gradually get more and more confident,
raising their hand and having the courage to speak up. "
- Rhoda, Experience Corps Member"It's good to feel that you're needed. It makes me feel younger-a lot younger!"
- Anne, Experience Corps Member
