Giving Back by Noah

Giving Back by Noah - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

Teaching others how to develop skills and achieve goals is an interest and talent that is meaningful in my life. My ability to help others is one of the reasons I plan to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. During high school, I have used my abilities to help others improve their skills in academics and athletics. These experiences have also helped me learn more about myself.

For two summers I have been a volunteer math tutor for Connor, a special needs child with impaired vision. During our hours of practice, Connor’s math skills improved greatly. I helped him set reasonable goals to understand the concepts and feel more confident about math. For example, at the beginning of the first summer Connor did not know his multiplication facts. So, we set and achieved the goal of knowing them by the end of the summer. Connor made the Merit Roll the first quarter of school. His mom was very excited as he had never achieved this previously. Connor also sees me as a role model, so I have worked hard to set a good example for him and continue my friendship with him. We have went to lunch and golfed together. I have volunteered to tutor Connor again this upcoming summer.

The second child I tutored was a middle school student who was struggling in school and had been diagnosed with ADHD. Will's mom was frustrated with his lack of concentration. We met once a week during the school year and worked together to complete his homework and study for tests and quizzes. I helped Will better understand the concepts he was learning with the use of visual aids. In an effort to achieve reachable goals, we never worked more than 15 minutes without breaking to discuss interests in Will's life, such as football. Will gained confidence and worked hard to improve his study habits.

The third person I tutored was a student at my high school. I helped Jacob with his Geometry and Biology courses. Mainly, I helped him prepare for the tests or quizzes he had in those classes. We were both proud when his grades in those classes improved during the time I tutored him.

In addition to tutoring, I work a part-time job as an aide for the youth sports program at my community’s recreation center. My duties include helping teach younger children the basics of different sports such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, flag football, baseball/tee ball, and volleyball. I try to make these activities enjoyable for the children. Building self-esteem through these types of activities is vital in the development of children. I would like to think that I have a key part in helping the kids learn life lessons through their participation in youth sports.

In my roles as an aide and as a tutor, I have used my talent of connecting with children of many ages in order to help them learn and develop skills. I have grown a great deal in my understanding of how others learn and how I can make a positive impact in their lives. Both responsibilities have allowed me to show my ability to teach others in a way that nurtures growth and allows them to be a leader of their own learning. This ability will help me succeed in the Education Program at the University of Cincinnati and as a teacher in the future.