Educational Issues

Nowadays having a Bachelor's degree doesn't seen like a big deal. Having a Master's degree and a PhD is becoming more and more common and desired for as the years continue on. Unfortunately, not everyone has the chance to obtain these degrees. Sometimes students dropout even before graduating high school or even before getting into high school . In 2011, it was estimated that "nearly 40 percent of Chicago Public School students dropout (http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/comment/4823). Forty percent is anASTOUNDINGLY HIGH number for a dropout rate. 

Though the dropout rate is astoundingly high, various organizations across Chicagoland have been trying to do something about it. At Inspired Youth, elementary and high school students are offered free, after school tutoring for those in the Edgewater, Rogers Park neighborhoods. During tutoring students are helped with their homework first, and if there's extra time, students are given extra practice questions to test them on the concepts they are struggling with. This extra work is emphasized in reading, writing, and math. By working with students, Inspired Youth tries to close the education gap. To learn more about the education gap go to: http://www.subnet.nga.org/educlear/achievement/. Inspired Youth serves a diverse population both age wise and ethnically. Inspired Youth tries to help prepare students to succeed in school. After being a part of Inspired Youth's tutoring program many if, not all of the students see an improvement in their academics.  

Being a tutor at Inspired Youth means I get to make a difference in some of the students' lives. Though I may not have a Master's degree or PhD, I do have knowledge to share. Currently, I am a senior at Loyola University with a major in Biology and minor in French. I also like doing math, which is something I consistently help my students with. I'm happy to share what I know with my students. Tutoring my students has been and continues to be an awesome experience. I have left each tutoring session feeling great, because even if I help my students improve just a little bit, I know it will help them in school. I believe all students have a desire to learn and can succeed in school.

Just the other week, one of my students told me he is getting a B in math. Last year he failed math, but this year he is getting a B! WOOOOOO!!!! Hard work and determination go along way. He continues to show his determination, and drive for success in every tutoring lesson. Sure he sometimes gets frustrated, but his want to get better at math succeeds. He will have me give him multiplication questions and try and see how fast he can answer to improve his memory. He will problem after problem to make sure he understands how to do the math. He's not afraid to ask a question, and does so to clarify anything. He often questions the way things are done, in order to better understand. He currently is working towards getting an A in math, with more practice, I'm sure he can do it! I'm so proud of my students, and it's such a great experience to see them become successful in an area they previously struggled in. At Inspired Youth, I can make a difference, won't you?

Chicago's Dropout Statistics

(image from http://www.wbez.org/story/luring-chicago-dropouts-back-school-one-doorstep-time-91009)