Why I Tutor

by Kathy Fulham

Working with literacy student Ben

My introduction to GiGi’s was definitely different than many other volunteers, who oftentimes are relatives or friends of participants. Although I live in a different town and had never heard of GiGi’s back then, there was a precious part of my family history that, unbeknownst to me, connected me to it.

I grew up alongside an individual with Down syndrome: my cousin, Jay. As I became older, I slowly recognized how, although he was a loved and loving family member to me, others outside our family weren’t as accepting of him at times. Despite how much we cherished him and how we tried to enrich his life, Jay lacked a broader support structure–a community that would welcome him and of which he could be a part. When I was first told about GiGi’s Playhouse and its mission, my memories instantly went back to Jay and his lack of support in certain areas. Remembering Jay’s lack of community assistance, the service provided by GiGi’s resonated with me.

2017 Literacy Tutor of the Year Kathy with her son Chase, the 2017 Volunteer of the Year

I first heard about the GiGi’s Math and Literacy Tutoring Program from a woman named Marsha Sepesi, a Playhouse volunteer and also my son’s former elementary school teacher. Her glowing endorsement not only convinced me that we should volunteer but also my teenaged son Chase, who was 15 at the time. As for me, volunteering would not only be a way to help my community but also to get some much-needed family and bonding time (much to my son’s initial chagrin, I’m sure).

Positive feelings aside, I was extremely nervous when I began my orientation and first tutoring sessions. I really didn’t know what to expect. Would I be any good at tutoring? Would I be able to tailor my instruction into each student’s learning style? Could I keep my students engaged and interested? Would my tutoring actually help them?

Working with Jessica during a Math session

Although I had my insecurities and various questions, when I started tutoring, I quickly realized what makes a tutoring session untroubled and productive: the endless enthusiasm, determination, and perseverance of the students! And that is what I feel is the most incredible part of tutoring: each student’s incredible drive to learn.

Watching a student power through his or her difficulties to achieve a learning goal is an incredibly emotional and humbling experience. I remember once while tutoring when my student, a young man who struggled with recognizing written words, read an entire sentence completely on his own for the first time. I felt so happy and proud of him that I began tearing up.

His response?  He put his hand on mine and said in a very concerned tone, “Ms. Kathy are you okay?”

2019 Math Tutor of the Year

Tutoring at GiGi’s Playhouse has been a great source of joy and fulfillment for me and my son over the past few years, and I am constantly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community. I am also grateful for the shared experience this has given to me and my son, who over the years has never once complained about getting up early on a Saturday or Sunday to tutor or teach his Karate Kickers class at the Playhouse.

I have long ago realized that it is difficult to be a “casual” volunteer at GiGi’s–soon enough, the incredible people and support structure of the Playhouse community become an important and incredible part of one’s life.

I was unable to volunteer at the Playhouse’s Fall tutoring term due to the hectic mayhem surrounding my son’s enrollment in college and my schedule, but have missed it considerably.  I was eager to return and help out at GiGi’s, where, as always, I will have a smile on my face each time I arrive and leave.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a tutor, please attend the Tutor Training Session on Tuesday, February 25 from 6:30- 8:30PM. Or contact contact Literacy Coordinator Anne at LiteracyHillsborough@gigisplayhouse.org or Math Coordinator Merry at MathHillsborough@gigisplayhouse.org.