Tutor Spotlight: Kim Trinidad

 

Let’s be honest, volunteering as a tutor has its challenges. Adult students have adult problems, and sometimes it takes a tutor with an extra dose of patience and flexibility to persist. Kim Trinidad is one of those tutors.

Since 2018, Kim has dedicated her time and energy to helping English Language Learners and Basic Literacy students grow. She continues to prove that she cares just as much about students’ well-being as their success. We are thrilled to recognize Kim as our Spotlight Tutor for September!

What inspired you to volunteer for Literacy Buffalo Niagara?

I first met a literacy tutor more than 30 years ago. I was inspired by them, but couldn’t figure out how to fit it into my busy life of work and family. When I retired, this was my first volunteer activity.

Being a tutor has enriched my life in many ways. I am inspired by the students who work so hard to improve their lives; day to day life is so difficult for ELL and low-level readers.

Share a success story you are proud of:

Admittedly, I can be a little “sappy,” but I have teared up a few times over my students’ accomplishments. I attended the citizenship ceremony for my first student and saw his happiness and pride, and that of his entire family; in his words, he now had “a country.”

I watched as another student successfully read a picture book to her two sons, ages 4 months and 7 years. The oldest child had behavior, learning and language disabilities (they were native English speakers), and had grown up in a home with no books.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not tutoring?

I enjoy physical activities such as horseback riding, curling, tap dancing and a variety of fitness classes. I love animals and volunteer with 3 organizations: SPCA wildlife department, the Buffalo Zoo, and Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. My favorite book genres are non-fiction and historical fiction; I also enjoy interesting characters in their everyday lives.