Ashley and the TLC
Volunteers get involved with CUMAC for many different reasons. For Ashley — a 23-year old, recent college graduate — it’s the need to make her community a better place to learn. Over the last 8 months, she’s been volunteering at CUMAC’s Tutoring & Literacy Center (TLC) doing just that. Ashley has taken on many duties at the program: tutor, mentor, friend, coach, and cheerleader. But most importantly, Ashley is a role model. Every week you can find her inspiring students, pushing them to be the best version of themselves and we can’t thank her enough.
Sitting down with her one afternoon, Ashley told me about the amazing circle of support she had growing up. That experience is something Ashley aspires to develop with students every week at TLC and drives her to push students further in their own education.
Volunteers get involved with CUMAC for many different reasons. For Ashley — a 23-year old, recent college graduate — it’s the need to make her community a better place to learn. Over the last 8 months, she’s been volunteering at CUMAC’s Tutoring & Literacy Center (TLC) doing just that. Ashley has taken on many duties at the program: tutor, mentor, friend, coach, and cheerleader. But most importantly, Ashley is a role model. Every week you can find her inspiring students, pushing them to be the best version of themselves and we can’t thank her enough.
Sitting down with her one afternoon, Ashley told me about the amazing circle of support she had growing up. That experience is something Ashley aspires to develop with students every week at TLC and drives her to push students further in their own education.
Education has always been important to Ashley, but it wasn’t until college that she realized how different the experience can be for students. A Race & Ethics class during her senior year opened her eyes to the disparities in education. The facts shocked her. The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights reports that racial minorities are more likely to have less access to necessary math and science classes, to be taught by teachers with less experience, and face a higher frequency of discipline in school. Ashley started thinking about her own community. She remembers getting upset and saying to herself, How is this fair? All kids should have access to good education. The experience really hit home for Ashley. She decided to take action. After doing some research she applied for several volunteer positions in the area. Luckily, CUMAC was the first to respond. She’s been working with our students ever since.
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“The kids need some consistency; they need someone who encourages them. That’s why I appreciate this program. It’s important for us to volunteer to give that push. You see the difference in the kids.” says Ashley. With after schools hours being such a critical time for learning, Ashley understands that a “push” can be the difference between failure and success for students. Unfortunately some children just don't have that support.
Whether she’s helping with math problems, reading with students or just giving some friendly advice, Ashley is giving the kids at TLC the support they need. “Every week she comes with a smile and the students feel her kindness.” says Lina Jaramillo, TLC Manager. Lina warmly recalls the time when Ashley surprised the students by giving each child a holiday present and card. This gesture perfectly illustrates Ashley’s deep commitment to making each student feel important.
While Ashley remains concerned about the educational issues facing her community — high school graduation rates in Paterson still hover around 70 percent — she’s proud to be part of a solution. She encourages the kids to dream big, while helping them develop their confidence. “During my time here I get to sit down with the kids and it makes me appreciate what my parents did: constantly motivating me, pushing me to do better. Now I find myself doing the same things with the kids. I’ll say to them, ‘Work hard. It’s going to be worth it. It’s hard now but in the end it’s going to pay off.’”
For Ashley, there’s no greater feeling than seeing the students progress. Most days she’s barely through the door and students are pulling out their tests or homework assignments in excitement. To Ashley, these are small wins on the road to a bright future. Thanks to volunteers like Ashley, our students are now better prepared for school and more confident in their work. As the students get ready to start with new schools and programs next year, we know that they'll be ready for any challenge that comes their way. The lessons learned at TLC will stay with them next year and beyond.
Whether she’s helping with math problems, reading with students or just giving some friendly advice, Ashley is giving the kids at TLC the support they need. “Every week she comes with a smile and the students feel her kindness.” says Lina Jaramillo, TLC Manager. Lina warmly recalls the time when Ashley surprised the students by giving each child a holiday present and card. This gesture perfectly illustrates Ashley’s deep commitment to making each student feel important.
While Ashley remains concerned about the educational issues facing her community — high school graduation rates in Paterson still hover around 70 percent — she’s proud to be part of a solution. She encourages the kids to dream big, while helping them develop their confidence. “During my time here I get to sit down with the kids and it makes me appreciate what my parents did: constantly motivating me, pushing me to do better. Now I find myself doing the same things with the kids. I’ll say to them, ‘Work hard. It’s going to be worth it. It’s hard now but in the end it’s going to pay off.’”
For Ashley, there’s no greater feeling than seeing the students progress. Most days she’s barely through the door and students are pulling out their tests or homework assignments in excitement. To Ashley, these are small wins on the road to a bright future. Thanks to volunteers like Ashley, our students are now better prepared for school and more confident in their work. As the students get ready to start with new schools and programs next year, we know that they'll be ready for any challenge that comes their way. The lessons learned at TLC will stay with them next year and beyond.
The students aren’t the only ones being inspired at the TLC. Spending time at the program has helped Ashley make some discoveries of her own. “I’ve learned a lot about myself. This has been one of the best opportunities of my life. Everyone should volunteer,” says Ashley. Inspired by Lina and the TLC Staff, Ashley recently applied to graduate school and, beginning this fall, will be working toward her Masters degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. The CUMAC staff couldn’t be more excited. We know that Ashley will continue to inspire those around her where ever she goes.
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Every volunteer experience is unique, but each volunteer helps make our work possible. At CUMAC we’re constantly humbled by our amazing team of supporters. Most don’t realize the impact they have, but every hour donated strengthens our ability to serve the community.
We’re grateful for volunteers like Ashley. Thank you for helping CUMAC change lives this year!
We’re grateful for volunteers like Ashley. Thank you for helping CUMAC change lives this year!
For more CUMAC stories, check out our newsletter!
Want to volunteer with CUMAC? Call our office (973-742-5518) or send us an e-mail (volunteer@cumacecho.org) to learn more about ways you can get involved.
Want to volunteer with CUMAC? Call our office (973-742-5518) or send us an e-mail (volunteer@cumacecho.org) to learn more about ways you can get involved.