Two Steps Forward

Photo: Mae & Stephanie

My volunteer experience at Rosedale began in July 2003 with the Five-Week Summer Job-Training Program.  I had such a great experience that I continued to work with Rosedale in its Mentoring and Tutoring Program during the academic year.  I have been tutoring Stephanie, a ninth grader, on a weekly basis since September.  Stephanie is in her first year at The Ursuline School, an elite, private high school in New Rochelle.  She was accepted into the school through the sponsorship of Rosedale Center and its patrons, and she is learning to work with and understand the differences between her school friends and her home neighborhood in the Bronx.  Recently, I helped prepare her for Algebra and Chemistry exams. She scored in the 90s in both exams.  Furthermore, while everyone else in her Chemistry class scored in the 40s, she was one of two girls to score in the 90s.  It gave me a sense of accomplishment and joy to hear that she attributed her success to our tutoring sessions. 

My experiences at Rosedale have been deeply fulfilling for me because of the impact I was able to make on the girls. The programs at Rosedale and the volunteers do make a tremendous difference in the girls' lives.  As a volunteer, I am challenged to help improve the girls' performance in school and communicate virtues such as self-confidence, respect, kindness, learning from one's mistakes (humility) and setting goals.  Working one-on-one with my student, I can communicate the reasons why these character traits are important in a context of true friendship and understanding.  This mentor relationship is also one of the reasons why the programs help the girls gain valuable work experience, increase their options for higher education, encourage them to apply to college, and guide the girls on a path toward fulfilling their dreams.

The girls are very fortunate to have Rosedale in their lives.  I wish that a similar program was available to me when I was their age.  However, I feel blessed to be part of Rosedale now.   Rosedale not only helps the girls but also the volunteers.  Working with the girls as a volunteer, I couldn't help but examine my own habits and character.  I learned so much about myself, which prompted me to recognize the areas where I needed improvement and to take positive action.  Rosedale has helped increase my confidence, develop more focus in my career and become a better person.

By Mae, Citigroup Asset Management

published May 2004

A Place to Blossom    rosedale@sbef.org