Tutor Spotlight: Linda Majewski

 

Linda has been an LBN tutor since 2020. She understands that relationship building is just as important as teaching vocabulary and grammar, and builds her students’ confidence through caring. This approach has helped Linda’s students meet their language and employment goals over the years!

What inspired you to volunteer for Literacy Buffalo Niagara?

I had always traveled a lot for work and never had the time for volunteering or community service. When I retired, I wanted to find something that had an impact on someone’s life.

What has been the biggest surprise about being a volunteer tutor?

I am surprised at how strong the bond can become between tutor and student, and how proud you are with each of their accomplishments. It definitely becomes a common goal to have your student succeed.

Will you share a success story that you are proud of?

My current student always tells me how he now corrects people in his neighborhood, his family-owned store, and his household when he hears them saying something incorrectly and he is able to explain why it is incorrect. He wants his entire community to have a good grasp of the English language so that they better fit into the community. He shares his homework assignments with them and has become an “unofficial tutor” to people in his life.

What important lessons have you learned as a tutor?

I utilize the materials that are offered by Literacy Buffalo Niagara, but I also ask my students what they want to work on, what their interests are — and I often pull information from the internet that is personalized to my student.

Do you have any tips for other tutors?

Each student has a different learning style. Get to really know your student and what style works for them. Ensure them that making mistakes is part of learning and not to be embarrassed when making mistakes in the tutoring sessions. Ask questions about their culture, their family — really get to know your student. Start each session with a little personal chat.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not tutoring?

Traveling, especially our National Parks. My son is a park ranger and I travel to whatever park he is assigned to. I also volunteer for an animal rescue group, deliver for Meal on Wheels once a week, and assist with our church food pantry.

Is there anything else you would like to share (a memorable story, your tutoring philosophy, etc.)?

I do feel it is very important to get to know your student. Each student I have had has been entirely different in comfort level, learning style, personality, background, family life, etc.