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Elsa reads to a student at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s afterschool program

Photo: ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡/Evelyn Andrews

My name is Elsa, and I’m an 11th grader at Interlake High School in Bellevue. I’ve volunteered as a tutor in the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Youth Program since December 2016. Last year I worked with K-12th graders at a community center site in Kent, and this year I’m helping out at Sunnycrest Elementary School.

Since I’m a high school student myself, it can be challenging to go straight from my own classes to tutoring other students with class work. But that also gives me an advantage. Due to my fresh memory of complicated math and science topics, I was able to help a lot of high school students studying similar things, which made it extra rewarding.

I’m really glad I've had this opportunity to volunteer with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ because I get to help students have an equal chance for a quality education. It can also be fun, especially with the younger kids who are always so energetic! I hope other young people will consider getting involved with tutoring kids with refugee backgrounds. They really deserve it and it feels great to make a difference.

By Elsa, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Volunteer