How tutors and students can inspire each other
Tutors are cheerleaders for their students, providing inspiration and encouragement during every session.
Amirah Riddick is a junior double majoring in journalism and psychology at Oswego State University in upstate New York. In her free time, she is an EQPD tutor where she is working with seven students to support their development.
“My students can do anything,” Riddick said. “I want to be the voice that says there is nothing they are incapable of achieving.”
When Riddick was in elementary and middle school, she says she could have benefitted from a math tutor. At the time, she did not feel like she was a strong learner. This impacted her confidence, and she never wants one of her students to feel this way.
“I hope my students leave my sessions knowing that nothing is too hard or too difficult,” Riddick said.
Though she is a recent hire at EQPD, Riddick says she has always been passionate about teaching. Being able to work with youth and see them grow is a big benefit to her involvement.
Another thing she likes about tutoring is being able to communicate and interact with kids at different levels.
“I enjoy teaching and listening to my students,” Riddick said. “My students share their interests with me, and we have great conversations. I can tell they look forward to meeting with me as much as I look forward to meeting with them.”
Riddick also brings her own experiences into each session, as she herself is using a tutor for support with her German class. This experience is a great reminder that what she is doing means something, because her tutor has been so helpful for her.
Being a tutor has taught Riddick to be more confident and that being wrong is a part of the learning process.
