Live Out Your Story

Read about Julian, who lives out his story by helping others live out theirs.

Before I joined SDRT, college graduation was just around the corner, making me reflect on how I could channel my new free time into making an impact before moving on to the next chapter. Throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed tutoring as a means to instill lasting benefits in others. I wanted to continue in that vein, but also follow amazing individuals as they live out their story. At SDRT, I found a community full of incredible students who have experienced many challenges, but continued, nonetheless.

It wasn’t until I had spent a significant amount of time with my student that I realized the true value of a consistent partner. I drove for an hour to City Heights to congratulate my student on nailing a math test, but I also drove for an hour to support him through challenging academic setbacks. Many of these students live turbulent lives and being a source of stability goes a long way in showing them that there is an individual who is specifically there for them.

When I first met my student, we were both understandably shy. But as the school year continued, we let down our guards and really got to know one another.

I remember a conversation we were having about a recent field trip of his, where he got to look for silver ore. He was clearly proud of the few pieces he found, but still offered one of them to me to keep. It’s a small moment, but receiving the piece from him was a testament to how far we had come where kind gestures and candid conversations were a common occurrence. I realized then that SDRT became a priority of mine not only to help him academically, but to also spend time with one of my favorite students.

Live out your story alongside a SDRT student. Join SDRT in 2020 by attending a New Tutor Orientation on January 21st or January 23rd.