When I retired from my 50-year teaching career and began looking for volunteer opportunities, I found the City and County of Honolulu’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for seniors 55 and over. Through RSVP, I became a GED tutor at the Susannah Wesley Center in Kalihi. As a Kalihi boy who speaks pidgin, I have social currency with the young people I tutor there and sharing academic skills is my way of giving back to the community where I grew up. I volunteer as a tutor because education changes lives. Although no longer in a classroom, I still have the knowledge, experience and passion to help students succeed. Every student has unique strengths and challenges. As a volunteer GED tutor, I give students the individual attention that a classroom may lack.
Volunteering makes a positive difference for me, as well. Seeing a student gain confidence, improve academically and attain success is very rewarding. In addition, tutoring keeps me intellectually motivated and physically active, and provides purpose and opportunities for engagement with students and other volunteers.
I hope to inspire students to value education, work hard and believe in themselves. Patient guidance and encouragement can make a tangible impact. Tutoring through RSVP enables me to continue what is important to me: helping others learn, grow and reach their potential.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
eadrsvp@honolulu.gov | elderlyaffairs.com/rsvp
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