What Participants Say About VIBES

Making a Difference:
A middle school student who had been struggling to keep up in class was matched with a VIBES volunteer.  After meeting with her mentor for a few months, she recently turned to her volunteer with a big smile and said, "I feel really smart." 
The student's school counselor credited the volunteer, "She has helped her student find something she had lost: her identity and faith in herself as a learner.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate the time and patience she has given to help this young lady. That one-on-one connection is powerful.  It sends the message that someone cares and holds the students accountable to do their best.  It can motivate and restore a young student's faith and puts them back on an upward path."

Volunteers

• "This is the highlight of my week."
• “As it often is with volunteering, it is the volunteer that is the BIG winner....I am grateful to have an outlet for my love of children and love of learning.   I never leave the school without being happy that I was able spend time in the first grade.  The children are hungry to learn and really do need a one on one experience.  They are so excited about reading!  It is a joy to see the progress and a reminder that each child is filled with promise."
• "I come from Microsoft and work in a second grade classroom.  It's the one hour every week when I know all the answers.  What a great feeling!"
• "I love volunteering with the kids.  It makes me feel young!"
• "When I started working with my student in second grade, I told her that books can be her best friend.  She said, 'No, books are my worst nightmare.'  Now she is in 4th grade.  Last week she was skipping along beside me on the way to "our" meeting room, and she said, 'Guess what?  I love to read now, and books are my best friend.  Remember when you told me that?'  She has a long way to go, but the desire is there!"
• "Thanks to everyone for making me feel welcome and part of the team.  This is a great way to help our future leaders and citizens."

• "When I first met with my student, she was failing every subject and gave the impression that she thought her academic outlook was pretty hopeless. Through HER efforts and her teachers unwavering support, she is passing all but one of her subjects  and in some cases is getting B's and A's.  There is a sense of pride in how hard she has worked and she carries herself with a wonderful subtle air of confidence.  I am so incredibly proud of this competent young lady and feel privileged to know her and to have been in her company."

Teachers

• "As a teacher, I see firsthand the positive impact that VIBES volunteers have on their students.  The benefits of their time lasts more than just the hour they are in the classroom.  The students' eyes light up when they arrive.  After they leave, the students gain a sense of confidence and energy which lasts the rest of the day, and often times all week.  The impact of a positive role model, such as a VIBES volunteer, is limitless and life long."
• VIBES volunteers are "amazing" and "give with their hearts."
• "The VIBES program has been an excellent way for me to help students become more confident learners.  As a result of meeting with a volunteer, one of my students has gone from a level 6 in reading to a level 20!"
• "Having a mentor has made a significant difference in this student's school performance.  He is a different person than the young man who entered in September, and it is all positive."
• "The VIBES program is a fabulous resource!  It makes a huge difference for these students who need special attention and a special connection."

Students

• "My mentor taught me not to give up and instead to look at challenges from another angle."
• "My mentor makes me feel confident!"

• “I love College Corps!!! They were super helpful! They are always there for students, and they showed me the bright way to go as when I was in "dark" with confusing college and scholarship applications. Thank you so much!”

   

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