VOLUNTEER

Tutor Managers

Every new volunteer is assigned a Tutor Manager (TM) when they apply to work with Embrace Education. Your TMs are also Embrace Education tutors and volunteers. Initially it is their role to conduct interviews with new applicants. If the applicant successfully completes all necessary requirements, their TM will help to place them in our organisation. When volunteers begin tutoring, it is the role of their TM to stay in regular contact and be there to field all of their tutor's concerns. In addition to dealing with any issues which may arise, TMs are there to ensure tutors enjoy their time with Embrace.

Georgina:

Degree: 3rd year Arts/Law

Why Embrace?

I’m Georgina Taylor, a third year Arts/Law student at Monash. I’ve been a tutor with Embrace Education since early in 2007. I believe that education is powerful. Having been pretty privileged in my own education (yep, private school), I hope that tutoring with Embrace Education can be a way of giving something back, in some small way.

At first I was slightly apprehensive about tutoring with Embrace. I had had no experience in teaching and felt concerned that I wouldn’t be able to remember information learned in VCE, let alone teach it. However, tutoring and mentoring my student has been a rewarding and worthwhile experience (for us both, I hope!). Watching her improve is ample recompense for the limited outlay of my time. And while our tutoring sessions do sometimes deteriorate into chatting, conversation can lead to useful discussions about tertiary education, careers, family, our somewhat different life experiences, and the difficulties she has faced as a CALD young woman in Melbourne.

To use a cliché, I do feel that tutoring with Embrace has been a way of helping me ‘make a difference’ at a grassroots, personal level – where it really is needed.

David:

Degree: 3rd year Engineering

Why Embrace?

I joined Embrace because we cannot ignore the inequalities that exist right in front of our eyes. Because education is so important. Because the people we are helping know that somebody cares. And because we see the results of our work - you can make a real difference to people lives.

Brendan:

Degree: 2nd year Medicine

Why Embrace?

Hi my name is Brendan. I'm a second year Monash med student from Bendigo. What inspired me to get involved with Embrace? Well, I guess I really liked the idea of putting some of the knowledge I gained in VCE to some good use.

Last year I tutored a Yr 12 student in Chemistry & a few other subjects. I feel as if everything was in favour of me doing well in Yr 12. In my student's case, it was the exact opposite! Yet, despite everything, I was continually amazed at my student's persistance and courage.

Unfortunately there are plenty more students in the same situation. Some of the things our students have to go through are truly extraordinary for people of their age, (or any age). Through little more than an hour or two a week you have the opportunity to really help someone who needs it. All I can say is don't be afraid to get involved, you won't regret it!

Rachel:

Degree: 3rd year Arts/Science

Why Embrace?

Hi, I’m Rachel! I started volunteering with Embrace Education last year. I found out about it at Monash University in Clayton, where I am studying Arts/Science. It’s a really great experience to be involved in the learning of high school students, especially those facing such disadvantages. I think Embrace Education is a great organisation for linking university students with students from high school because it provides a support network and motivation and hope to students.

I tutored a Year 7 student last year, mostly helping her out with maths. I really enjoy tutoring because I like to teach people stuff and its really satisfying when students understand and improve their skills. It’s especially fun teaching tricks and short cuts to make learning easier. It is really rewarding to watch a student grasp things that before seemed hard and they can now do with ease. Through learning I believe it is possible to empower people not only with skills but also with the confidence to follow their dreams.

Michael:

Degree: 3rd Year Law/Finance

Why Embrace?

Last year I started one-on-one tutoring through Embrace Education and immediately saw how much of a difference a small amount of time can make to the lives of others. I have found that working with students of such diverse backgrounds has helped me to improve my perspective of our community and understanding of the lives of others. The students that we tutor simply don't have the resources that I have come to rely on in my day-to-day life and it is inspiring to watch their progress despite such challenging circumstances. I decided to step up my involvement with the organisation because I consider it a valid cause and wanted to be part of its development!

Paul:

Degree: Arts/Law

Why Embrace?

For me, involvement in Embrace Education is a simple yet important way in which I can contribute to the growth of the community. This stems from my belief that having an education is one of the best ways in which we as human beings can equip ourselves to not only be successful in our own personal lives, but also to enable us to help those around us. Since I have been fortunate enough to have been afforded a good education, it is a simple thing for myself (and many others) to use the skills that I have to help tutor others so that they, in turn, may develop their academic skills and be successful. Ultimately, everyone deserves to have access to all the good things in life that we sometimes take for granted. As such, being involved in Embrace and the community is extremely important to me, because not only does it contribute to someone’s growth as a human being, but also because I believe that it engenders a spirit of concern, care and helpfulness for fellow members of our community, which will hopefully lead to a more enriched and positive community atmosphere.

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Georgina

David

Brendan

Rachel

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Paul