Tess Avery and Emma Jakobson
Juniors
Sailing
What program are you involved with and what are your roles/responsibilities?
We are involved in PBHA's Mission Hill Afterschool Program, whose mission strives for social justice by providing a safe, fun, and uplifting learning experience for children in the Mission Hill community. The core values include love and compassion, social justice, community building, stewardship, growth of people and learning, and diversity. As a volunteer, I tutor and mentor elementary school students from low socio-economic backgrounds through daily curriculums crafted by the program directors and coordinators (who are also students from Harvard and Wellesley). We work individually with students on homework, and reading and writing skills, along with having some fun with them!
How did you find out about the opportunity and what drew you to accept?
We found out about the opportunity through friends that had participated in Mission Hill at Harvard. As an athlete, it has been difficult to find the time for volunteering and Mission Hill provided the perfect opportunity. On a weekday that I am not sailing I am able to step off of Harvard's campus and participate in a very rewarding program.
What is the most rewarding part of the experience?
The most rewarding part of the experience for me personally is seeing the bonds that we form with the kids. Knowing that we are having an impact on these kids and being there for them as a friend, mentor, and tutor is a special feeling. By the end of the semester, you really start to care about them, and that feeling is reciprocated as they are excited to see you each week. Being able to get out of the Harvard bubble and spend time with them is my favorite part of the experience. Working with these kids has made a huge impact on me, and I have learned so much from all of them.
What impact do you think you have as Harvard students, serving as role models for a younger generation?
I think it is so important as Harvard students, and just generally as human beings to be role models for future generations. I have been lucky enough to have had amazing role models when I was young that have led me to the place and the person I am today, so I see the value in mentorship; especially at a young age. This is a great opportunity to pay it forward to all of my own role models from when I was young! I also think being college students gives us a unique position to encourage continuing education for young students, as it was and still is a priority for us.
Does this work relate to your concentration? Would you continue doing it or something similar following graduation?
After graduation, I hope to continue working with kids as it has always been something I have been passionate about. As I am thinking about entering into education after graduation, this program has been a great way to get a sense for working with kids in an academic and classroom setting.
