Leadership Student Profiles

Name: Alyssa Greenwood-Francis
Grade: Freshman
Major: Philosophy, Pre-med
Hometown: Calico Rock, AR

Where have you helped with tutoring?
"I tutor at The Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, MO – Henderson Unit and Boyd Elementary. At Boyd Elementary, I only tutor fourth graders. However, at the Boys and Girls Club I could tutor a kindergartener one day, and a teenager the next. The age varies a lot, but the mode tends to be around third or fourth grade."

Why did you decide to start tutoring?
"I sought after this tutoring position because I, generically, wanted to make a difference in the kids' lives. A majority of the students I tutor have subpar home lives, and it is important for them to have a figure of stability. Additionally, the title of America Reads/ Math Counts appealed to me, because I enjoy both reading books and solving equations. A majority of the students have trouble with math, so it is incredibly satisfying when I can transfer some of my knowledge to them."

How has this been beneficial to you?
"Not only do I feel accomplished after teaching a student a concept, I feel that I have learned something as well. Teaching is often only glorified for what it gives to the students. However, an equally important component is what teaching gives back to the teacher. I have learned the versatility of adaption, complexity of patience, and necessity of compassion. I have had a wonderful time bonding with each of the kids I tutor, while seeing the difference they make in my life as I make one in theirs."

Name: Victoria Stracke
Grade: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Springfield, Missouri

Where have you helped with tutoring?
"Since I began tutoring in the spring of last year, I have always tutored at the Boy's and Girl's Club Henderson Unit. I work with a variety of different children of ranging ages. A lot of the kids that I work with tend to be in elementary school, all of whom vary in reading, writing, and mathematic ability or level."

Why did you decide to start tutoring?
"During my senior year of high school I spent a lot of time tutoring autistic children and found that I really enjoyed working with children in that manner. I also spent a lot of time at Boy's and Girl's Club as a Meal-Time Buddy through the Big Brother's and Big Sister's program. When the opportunity to become a Drury tutor came about I could not pass it up. I always enjoyed my time at Boy's and Girl's Club and the thought of being able to spend more time there, especially more one-on-one time with the children, was very appealing to me."

How has this been beneficial to you?
"The impact that the children at Boy's and Girl's Club have had on me is substantial. I have learned a lot about each one of the children that I work with, as well as a lot about myself. Working with children, especially in the area of tutoring, has taught me the importance of patience and understanding. Two qualities that I feel will benefit me in my future career as a psychologist."

Name: Amy Scherrer
Grade: Sophomore
Major: Psychology and Spanish
Hometown: Wildwood, MO

Name some organizations you have volunteered with:
"I've volunteered with Cox North Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, Boyd Elementary's Spanish Reading Program, Boyd Elementary's Think Green group, Hand in Hand Multicultural Center, and Drury's Think Green."

What is your favorite part about volunteering?
"My absolute favorite thing about volunteering is that it gives me an opportunity to step outside of myself and truly connect with others in my community. I love being able to help those around me who often simply need someone to show them a bit of kindness and patience."

How is volunteering beneficial to you?
"Volunteering is beneficial to me in a three-factor fashion: educational, professional, and personal. It gives me a chance to establish relationships with contacts in my community, and it allows me to learn from others and gain real world, applicable experience. And, of course, it permits personal growth and satisfaction."