Q&A with tutor, Caroline Wilhelm

Please briefly introduce yourself. Tell us a bit about your background and why you were interested in volunteering with Literacy Volunteers.

I was a college professor for many years before moving to Charlottesville. After retiring I realized how much I missed teaching. I felt a desire to reach out to people from other countries who were new to the Charlottesville community. Working with newcomers one-on-one was appealing to me because I thought that's how I could best make a difference in their lives.

What do you enjoy most about being a tutor?

I enjoy getting to know people. I especially like hearing my students' stories and what motivated them to move to America. I see my own country differently through my student's eyes, which often makes me grateful to live here. It's a privilege to help others become part of our community through literacy.

How has the pandemic changed your approach to tutoring?

I now tutor my student on Zoom and we meet weekly for 2 shorter lessons rather than 1 longer, in-person lesson. I like the convenience of Zoom and shorter lessons seem easier for my student to "digest." Seeing my student on a screen gives me a window into her world and has allowed me to meet her family, learn what she's cooking, and see the plants she's growing in her windowsill. The show-and-tell works both ways, so she's learned a lot about me. I also think the best learning takes place in a relaxed environment and for many students this is when they're home.

What advice do you have for new tutors?

Try to make your lessons useful and relevant to your student's life, read the weekly LVCA newsletters for wonderful tips, and become familiar with the tutor resources on the LVCA website. You're never on your own, so ask staff for advice when you need it and take advantage of tutor workshops.

If you could pick one word to describe your volunteer experience, what would it be and why?

Humbling. I'm always struck by what my students have gone through in order to live here, and by how hard they work to become part of our community.

What other things, for work or play, do you do to fill your days?

I have a weekly shift as a volunteer for Hospice of the Piedmont. I also love choral music and sing with The Oratorio Society. We rehearsed regularly on Zoom throughout the pandemic. Hiking and trying new restaurants are also favorite pastimes.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I never appreciated how odd the English language can be until I became a tutor. I'm pretty sure I've learned as much grammar as my students. I like showing my students that I'm learning along with them.


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