I started working here at EOYDC by volunteering in the Homework Center and them becoming a youth leader in the summer program. Since I really enjoy working with the kids, I decided to work during the school year, which I’m currently doing. Here at the Center, I am an academic tutor for younger kids, but I also help them with life skills. I guide them in doing things they don’t yet understand, like their homework. This job has really impacted my life because it has shown me as well as others what I’m make of and what I’m capable of accomplishing. I have grown to be a more responsible person than what I was before I started working here. Throughout all this time I have experienced many things, such as learning the basic duties of a receptionist. I have learned how to answer the phone in a professional way, how to fax papers and much more.

I know that by considering and taking risk, I will achieve more. This has been my very first job in my whole life. I really enjoy being around the kids and I know that some how I’m making a difference in their life whether it is small or big. Everyone may think and believe that my job as a tutor is easy, but it isn’t. There are times when I feel bad and get frustrated because the kids are not listening to me and don’t do what I’ve asked them to. I’ll just keep talking to them, training them, and being patient with them.

My experiences in this position are great. I feel that I have found the job that satisfies me in every way. I’m always happy to know that I have to come to work because I enjoy being with the kids that know how to respect me even though sometimes they may get off task. I love the way the Center is run because I know that if I need help, I can ask anyone in the Center for help and they are willing to help me. I’m always able to be myself when im at work because the staff shows me that I’m a great person and that I can achieve may things in my life. I really enjoy coming to work because I know that when I come to work I’m going to see kids with smiles on their faces; they have missed me and want to give me a hug. I know that I have shown the kids that they can count on me no matter what and I know I’m already a part of the solution.

I would like to thank Ms. Regina for giving me the opportunity to work here at EOYDC. I really appreciate all the things she has done for me especially because she is able to communicate with me and let me know when I’m not doing the right thing. Ms. Regina has really inspired me because of all the things she has done for me, but especially for what she is doing for the community here in Oakland. I truly believe that every single day she is really making a difference in a child’s life. She has always told me and taught me that in life I always have to take risks and challenges in order for my life to be successful. Throughout my work experience I have realized that Ms. Regina is a role model because little by little she has been guiding me through life and letting me know what’s wrong and right.

Guadalupe Barocio- Homework Tutor