Tutor Spotlight: John Brylinksi
We are proud to recognize John Brylinski with our April Tutor Spotlight for his decade of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our learners.
For ten years, John worked faithfully with one basic literacy student on a nontraditional path, demonstrating patience, consistency, and deep care. After that student moved out of state, John didn’t hesitate to ask where he could help most. When he learned that English language learners were waiting, he immediately completed the necessary training and took on a low-level English speaker, a complete departure from his previous tutoring experience.
John’s flexibility, kindness, and desire to help shine through in everything he does, and his clear, thoughtful communication with staff makes him a true partner in our mission.
“When progress is slow, it can lead to frustration; but hard-earned gains many times provide the most beautiful results.”
What inspired you to volunteer for LBN?
When I think of inspiration in my life, I often reflect on friends and family. As a child, I did not care to read — probably because I struggled with it. My mother, a voracious reader, gently encouraged it. When I found subjects which interested me, my hunger for more knowledge led me to read more about those topics. As my reading improved, so did my love for it.
I was inspired to volunteer for Literacy Buffalo Niagara because I wanted to nurture that same love for reading.
What has been the biggest surprise about being a volunteer tutor?
What has surprised me the most, in the more than 10 years I have been in the program, is the shared joy both the tutor and learner feel when goals are accomplished. Even small accomplishments can be memorable.
The world has been changed by the COVID-19 pandemic in so many ways. As a substitute teacher, I have seen how some children have struggled to catch up academically and socially in the wake of that disease. Yet, my learner and I found a way to conduct lessons during the shutdown. I would drop off a packet of materials at his front door while retaining another copy for myself. I would then lead a lesson over the phone with him. While it was not the ideal situation, it allowed us to continue our weekly “meetings” and persevere together.
Will you share a success story that you are proud of?
My first learner, whom I met with for more than 10 years, was an older gentleman whose literacy skills were heavily dependent on guesswork. Many of our lessons focused on changing those survival skills. As a tutor, I learned to gauge success in smaller increments. By the end of our time together, I believe we succeeded by taking hundreds of small steps.
Do you have any tips for other tutors?
One of my favorite hobbies is woodcarving. The best tip I could offer to other tutors would be similar to my advice to new woodcarvers — success in both is made one step at a time. When progress is slow, it can lead to frustration; but hard-earned gains many times provide the most beautiful results.
I am immensely proud to have been a tutor for LBN. While I believe positivity and patience are my best attributes for this role, I am greatly appreciative of the patience and positivity the staff has given me.
