30 Minutes That Made a Difference: An MRC Volunteer’s Story

One of my favorite childhood memories is my grandmother reading to me. She and my grandfather never hesitated to buy me a book and she spent so many hours of our time together reading to and with me. I can still remember some of the books we read. Looking back, I realize she was giving me so much more than reading skills; she was giving me her time, her encouragment, and her belief in me. Showing me that I mattered enough to spend time with me, though I'm sure she had plenty of other things she could have been doing. 

Then all these years later, when I heard about the Midlands Reading Consotrium and their need for volunteers to read with students, I knew this opportunity was for me! When I went to read with Michael for the first time this past school year, the receptionist immediately said "Oh, Michael is a wonderful kid! She said he was kind and helpful and that math was his thing — reading not so much! 

I have to say in those first few sessions, I was pretty worried about how far behind Michael was with reading. I don't have an education background, but I could tell he was far from grade level, and second grade is such a pivotal year. I heard from Brantli (MRC Director) that up through 2nd grade, you are learning how to read, but after that you are reading to learn. You need that good foundation for everything else you will learn after that. Even though Michael is a very confident kid, I found him making up words he didn't know by sight rather than trying to sound them out. 

I thought "Uh oh, is just this 30 minutes a week really going to make a difference?" And then as the year progressed, showing up consistently, I got to see Michael's trust in me grow. We started talking about more than just books. We talked about school, sports, family, life; that in and of itself was so rewarding. Every week I showed up was sending a message— I remembered you and I am glad to spend time with you. You matter. 

One of my favorite moments was when he invited me to come watch one of his baseball games. Michael was so proud that my husband and I were there. I got to meet his family and we continue to stay in touch. That invite showed that our 30-minute reading sessions had turned into something much bigger —  a genuine relationship with his family. 

By the time Michael and I finished our sessions for the year, I noticed something really amazing —  vulnerability. He no longer felt he had to make up words to confidently get through the paragraph. He was willing to stop and sound out words in front of me, knowing it was a safe space to do so and that he believed in himself enough to try. 

I don't get to see test scores, but talking with his mom I believe he was back to reading at grade level by the end of the year. And that wasn't just from me: that was his loving parents who encourage him at home and had him in tutoring after school. That was his teachers who care and work with him every day. That was the school staff who all knew and love him, sharing smiles and high fives. That was the community around him—  the United Way programs like MRC that invest locally. That was donors like you who give each year. Because that's what it takes —  all of us. I am just so incredibly thankful to have been there to get to watch it all happen. 

The impact is happening right here in our own community. The Midlands Reading Consotrium serves schools all across the Midlands, which means many of us can find opportunities just minutes from home. The school where I volunteer is less than 15 minutes away from my house. When you volunteer, you're investing in children and families in your own neighborhood. When you give, those dollars stay right here and help students in our own communities succeed. 

We need more volunteers because this is one of the easiest volunteer opportunities out there. There is no special expertise required. The MRC team provides excellent resources and support. It's just 30 minutes once a week! I know we're all busy, and sometimes volunteering can feel overwhelming before you even get started. This isn't one of those opportunities. 

What surprised me most was how much I got out of it myself. Every week, I looked forward to spending time with Michael. I said many times throughout the year that it was the highlight of my week and I meant it every single time. Seeing his confidence grow, celebrating his progress, and building that relationship was something I looked forward to every single session. In fact, I'm already excited for the new school year to begin. 

What started as just 30 minutes a week become one of the most meaningful and rewarding things I've ever been apart of. It's amazing how such a small investment of time can have such a lasting impact, not only on a student, but on you as well.