When I to came to Loyola University in 2008, I had the mindset that one day I would become  a veterinarian. My freshman year, I declared my  Biology major  and began to take the prerequisites I needed for veterinarian school.  As the years went by, I slowly discovered my dreams of becoming a veterinarian had changed. After numerous attempts assisting in surgery, I realized I could not stomach the surgery. I begin to look elsewhere for what I could do with my life after college. I really love science, and kids, so I began investigating teaching options. My realization of wanting to become a science teacher my junior year at Loyola University held many challenges for me to overcome. I needed more experience with young students. One way I have been obtaining experience, is by tutoring at Inspired Youth. 

Inspired Youth offers a great  tutoring service for students in the Edgewater area of Chicago. The pleasant staff, and for the most part, well-behaved children, make volunteering  at Inspired Youth a fun experience. Typically, I volunteer twice a week, usually on Mondays and Thursdays. For the most part, I am able to work with the same students each week, which allows me keep working with the students on their weaker subject areas. By my third week of tutoring, I definitely saw improvement in all of the students I tutor; it's a very rewarding feeling. Seeing a child's face light up, upon the realization that they figured out the problem, is awesome to see. Felix, Anna, and Melissa are diligent workers, and always brighten my day. The saying, "You got to love what you do to obtain happiness," definitely applies here. I love working with the students. When I leave, I always am happy because no matter what, the student and I get work done and I know that it helps them in school.

One of my goals is to help the students succeed in school. Already  one of my students who  failed their math class last year, is now getting a B in math! The student has also made a personal goal to get honor roll. The students all seem to have determination, which I try to encourage at every session.

Gaining this experience with kids will definitely help me with my professional goal of becoming a teacher. I got accepted to the AUSL teacher residency program (http://www.ausl-chicago.org/training.html) and now need to pass the IBST and content area tests. By tutoring at Inspired Youth, I have been improving my communication skills, patience, and so much more. I can take what I learn while at Inspired Youth and  apply it to my future teaching career. Before I become a teacher, I must graduate from Loyola University. By passing my civic engagement class, entitled "Seminar in Community Based Service and Leadership," and my other current classes, I will graduate Spring 2012. My civic engagement class, also offers input to what service is, and gives me a further in-depth look at service.