What is my favorite Study Hut moment? That’s difficult, because there really is a lot to choose from.
Most of my favorite moments would involve my favorite students. Some of the kids here come in with such an amazing attitude, and a real desire to improve, that tutoring them doesn’t even seem like work. Not only that, but when you see the same students week after week, you really get to know them. You find out what their lives are like, and who they are as people; it makes you want to help them all the more. I remember this one time, with one of my regulars, we spent literally two straight weeks studying for this one test, working tirelessly to make sure they got it just right. The student came in the day after the test with a HUGE smile on their face, telling me how they nailed it. I was so incredibly proud, that it didn’t just make my day, it made my week.
But one of my favorite moments actually happened today. We’re winding down toward the end of school, which means the younger kids have absolutely no work left, and the older kids are freaking out because of final exams. One of the former group, an 8th grader came in for his tutoring hour. He was up front with me: he had almost no homework, no tests left for the year, and only two full days of school left. Surprised, I asked him why they kept the session. His reply? “I just really like coming here.” That was one of those moments that made me feel great about what we do here. Not only are we providing a place for kids to improve themselves academically, but we’ve made an environment that our students WANT to come to. I felt very happy at that moment.
