As a sophomore at the University of Iowa, I was eager to make a difference in my community. Between classes and study sessions, I felt a growing desire to contribute beyond the campus. That’s when I stumbled upon a local after-school program seeking volunteers to mentor elementary students. Without hesitation, I signed up.
My first day was a whirlwind of introductions and nervous energy. The room buzzed with the chatter of kids, each with their own story and spark. I was paired with a third-grader named Ethan, a shy boy with a love for drawing but struggling with reading. Our initial sessions were quiet, filled with hesitant words and shared crayons. Slowly, as weeks turned into months, Ethan began to open up. We tackled reading assignments together, turning stories into adventures. His confidence grew, and so did our bond.
One rainy afternoon, Ethan handed me a drawing—a superhero with glasses and a book, labeled “Super Reader.” He looked up and said, “That’s you. You help me read.” I was taken aback, a lump forming in my throat. In that moment, I realized the impact of our time together.
As the school year progressed, Ethan’s reading skills improved noticeably. His teachers mentioned his newfound enthusiasm for books, and his classmates often saw him with a novel in hand. On the last day of the program, the kids organized a small thank-you party for the volunteers. Ethan stood up, holding a handmade card. “Thank you for being my friend and helping me read,” he said softly. The room erupted in applause, but all I could focus on was the beaming smile of a boy who had found his voice.
Volunteering with these children taught me more than I could have imagined. It wasn’t just about academic improvement; it was about building trust, offering support, and witnessing the incredible resilience of young minds. Their gratitude was evident in their progress, their smiles, and the simple joy of shared stories. I walked away from that experience not just as a mentor, but as someone profoundly changed by the power of connection and the boundless potential of a child’s gratitude.