University of Pennsylvania Student Tutoring in English, Writing, and Reading to Middle-High Schoolers

Valerie is one of the most positive people I have ever met. Her cheery and encouraging disposition would be a great asset to this program. I have seen her tutor students at our school in American Sign Language (ASL) and she is able to make her tutees feel very at ease. Being Deaf myself and having taught ASL in the past, I realize that this is no easy task. Valerie and I also took a TESOL course together last year; this experience combined with her tutoring experience I believe would make her an invaluable tutor.

Valerie found time in her already full schedule to assist me with issues I was having in my language course. She never made it seem like I was a burden or that she was overextended by taking on one more project of helping me. Valerie was consistent, punctual, and attentive for each visit. She accommodated my schedule even if it was not the most convenient for her. I would always ask if she needed the time for herself and without hesitation, she was happy to help me out.

In each meeting, she would provide me with clear and concise answers that remedied the hurdles I had learning sign language. She was never condescending or curt. Instead she was enthusiastic and supportive. As a non-traditional, older adult learner, I am already self-conscious about being in a class with students much younger than myself. However, when I worked with Valerie, she made me feel like a peer. I knew that I was going to be successful with my endeavors.

I saw marked improvement in my abilities and retention of the material from my course due to the assistance of Valerie. I am grateful she found the time to tutor me. I wish I started with her sooner. She has even extended the courtesy of staying in contact in case I still had questions or concerns.