Retiring after a career of 52 years as a registered nurse, and most recently as a manager in a home care agency, I did not have any concrete plans for myself. I did not want to lose my identity and had always been seen as the "go-to person" and an excellent teacher.

I chose to pursue volunteer reading tutoring opportunities and applied to be a tutor with Learn To Be. I was accepted as a tutor and learned that I would be able to select not only the subject I would like to tutor in, but also the grade level of the student. Additionally, I would be creating the curriculum for the assigned student. This aligned perfectly with my work history.

Shortly thereafter, I was assigned a second-grade student in reading and was able to avail myself of a multitude of teaching videos, FAQs, etc., so I felt well-equipped for my first tutoring session.

Words cannot express how rewarding the sessions have been. My student and I work as a team, and I allow her to have a voice in what skills we will review. Her parents are incredibly supportive and have given me feedback such as, "She looks forward to the sessions," "She can't stop talking about you," "You are an inspiration to her," and "Her score went from the 40s to the 70s since she started with you."

In closing, Learn To Be means becoming a successful reader, but I also believe it means "Learn To Be the Difference." As a tutor, you cannot help but feel a warm glow inside.