Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs A passion found young
08 November 2021
Heather was a student2student buddy when she was in high school, and is now a Learning Club volunteer. We chatted to her about her experiences.
How did you first get involved with The Smith Family?
I first got involved with The Smith Family when I was in high school. From memory, I think it was grade 10 with the student2student reading via phone program.
How did you first get involved with The Smith Family?
I first got involved with The Smith Family when I was in high school. From memory, I think it was grade 10 with the student2student reading via phone program.
What was that experience as a student2student mentor like?
It was enriching, and I thoroughly enjoyed the very moment of the journey. I loved being able to help someone learn to read, using the knowledge I gained from school. I loved hearing the excitement the children had in their voice every time we spoke on the phone each week. Building rapport and trust with the children was a huge success and a step in the right direction. The best part of the experience was when the children finished reading books that they thought they would never be able to finish. This was and will always be heart-warming, and I'll never forget that moment of pure happiness.
What then led you to become a Learning Club volunteer?
I decided to become a Learning Club volunteer because I wanted to do more with my time. With all the other commitments in life, volunteering and giving back to those in need will continue to be very gratifying.
What is the best thing about Learning Club in your perspective?
From my perspective, the Learning Club creates a safe environment where children can come and get the extra help they need. Seeing the children's smiles every week is enough to keep me coming back!
What do you do, outside of volunteering for Learning Club?
I tend to do lots of various activities to fill up my spare time outside Learning Club. I work nightshifts in a factory at a big newspaper company. I play badminton for a social club every week and exercise most days of the week at the gym. One of my favourite hobbies is also playing the piano!
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering?
If you're passionate, caring, dedicated, positive, and wanting to make a difference in someone's life, volunteering with The Smith Family is perfect for you. Learning Club is an experience that you will cherish and appreciate forever! Not only is it an enriching task, but you also get to meet a lot of like-minded individuals within the community! I love seeing other people who share similar life goals and giving back to those in need!
It was enriching, and I thoroughly enjoyed the very moment of the journey. I loved being able to help someone learn to read, using the knowledge I gained from school. I loved hearing the excitement the children had in their voice every time we spoke on the phone each week. Building rapport and trust with the children was a huge success and a step in the right direction. The best part of the experience was when the children finished reading books that they thought they would never be able to finish. This was and will always be heart-warming, and I'll never forget that moment of pure happiness.
What then led you to become a Learning Club volunteer?
I decided to become a Learning Club volunteer because I wanted to do more with my time. With all the other commitments in life, volunteering and giving back to those in need will continue to be very gratifying.
What is the best thing about Learning Club in your perspective?
From my perspective, the Learning Club creates a safe environment where children can come and get the extra help they need. Seeing the children's smiles every week is enough to keep me coming back!
What do you do, outside of volunteering for Learning Club?
I tend to do lots of various activities to fill up my spare time outside Learning Club. I work nightshifts in a factory at a big newspaper company. I play badminton for a social club every week and exercise most days of the week at the gym. One of my favourite hobbies is also playing the piano!
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering?
If you're passionate, caring, dedicated, positive, and wanting to make a difference in someone's life, volunteering with The Smith Family is perfect for you. Learning Club is an experience that you will cherish and appreciate forever! Not only is it an enriching task, but you also get to meet a lot of like-minded individuals within the community! I love seeing other people who share similar life goals and giving back to those in need!
