February 4, 2025

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Why you should join Saluki Scholars in Action 

 

Volunteering at Parrish Elementary through Saluki Scholars in Action has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From the moment I stepped into the school, I was met with eager faces and boundless energy, reminding me of the joy and curiosity that make learning so special. Whether helping students with their homework, assisting with classroom activities with the teachers, or simply offering encouragement, I’ve been able to see firsthand how small moments of support can make a big difference in a child’s confidence and growth. 

Building connections with the students is one of the most meaningful aspects of my time at Parrish Elementary. Watching them overcome challenges, celebrate their achievements, and develop a love for learning has been inspiring. It’s also given me a deeper appreciation for the dedication of teachers and staff who work tirelessly to create a positive and engaging environment for every student. 

Of course, not every day was easy. Being that these are kindergartners and first graders, there were moments when emotions ran high, whether from students struggling with frustration or simply having a tough day. But those moments also became opportunities for growth—not just for the kids, but for me as well. Learning to navigate and support their fragile, budding emotions helped me develop patience, empathy, and confidence in my own ability to handle challenges. In many ways, the difficult days made the rewarding ones even more meaningful, reminding me of the impact a little understanding and encouragement can have. 

This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of community involvement in education. Seeing the impact that even a few hours a week can have has motivated me to continue finding ways to support young learners. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Saluki Scholars in Action and look forward to continuing to contribute to such a wonderful school community during the remaining weeks of my senior semester. 

  • Sarah Ramsey 

 

 

Not only was volunteering for Saluki Scholars in Action a great way to broaden my own personal outreach and community, but it benefited the school and students I volunteered for. During my time volunteering at Carbondale Middle School, I met with students who had completed their entire school day and had a few hours before their parents picked them up. This left them with the option to finish homework, get ahead on assignments, complete missing assignments, talk with their teachers, hang out with friends, or play.  

As someone who hopes to teach at the high school or college level someday, I was excited to help these students with their homework – whether it be practicing for their spelling tests the next day or helping them craft responses for online work. Each time I walked into the school, many of the students were diligently working on homework and gladly accepted my knowledge as aid. Although true, some of my favorite memories from this volunteer experience were watching a young girl’s favorite Youtuber as she explained why she enjoyed him and listening to the kids explain their plans for after school.  

Because I have no younger siblings and am rarely around younger audiences, it is easy for me to forget what their academic, after-school, extracurricular, and social lives are like. This volunteer opportunity places you right into the middle of their lives, and you can help students wherever they are at. A lot of times, I was just a friendly face they looked forward to seeing each week. Just like college students, exhausted by the monotony of public education, so were those kids! When I would appear every Thursday, I was adding a unique experience to their week and brightening their days.    

Not only was this volunteer experience beneficial for the kids, as well as for me because of the kids, it was a great networking opportunity. For Honors Program students hoping to go into teaching, this provided a chance to get into the school district, meet students of the grade level you hope to teach, and network with teachers. I gained a lot of insight into how the school system worked and different pathways to become a teacher that I had not known before. This was because of personal conversations with teachers I volunteered alongside.   

If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer, especially if you are interested in any career dealing with teaching, Saluki Scholars in Action is an amazing resource for you.  

  • Mary Schellenberg 

 

If you’d like to learn more about volunteering in the local schools of Carbondale, IL for Saluki Scholars in Action, contact David Milley (milleydr@siu.edu).