By Gwynne Gauntlett, Director of Digital Marketing Initiatives
It’s often been said that the most valuable thing we can give is our time. As a busy parent of two, in my experience no truer words have been spoken. Does anything matter more to any of us than being connected to a caring person who unquestioningly gives their support and encouragement as we tackle something difficult?
Gwynne Gauntlett
Learning to read is not an easy thing. It takes courage to pronounce sounds and words that don’t look familiar! Even kids with strong support networks struggle, as comprehending the world through words is a process that comes over time. One of the rewards is knowing that when you stick with it, there can be a great story on the other side!
When I learned about the Read Ahead program, which pairs faculty, staff, and students with elementary school age mentees at public schools in walking distance to the University, I jumped at the chance to give my time to help a child build her reading and comprehension skills.
Have you spent time with a 7 year old lately? It’s fun! And what’s more, I hope to be reading with my mentee Monica every year until she graduates to middle school, so I’ll see first-hand how she progresses.
Time well-spent indeed!
