Tutoring: A Male at Operation Sunshine

by Jaron Cox (sophomore)

When tutoring, you will only get out of it whatever you put into it. Last year I had the mindset that tutoring would not be fun, and because of that mindset most of my tutoring experience was boring. I am not sure if it was the facility or my outlook that made it that way, but it was probably mainly due to my expectations beforehand. If you go into tutoring thinking that it will be boring then more than likely it will be.

This year I decided that I would be a bit more optimistic when I went to tutor. I am currently tutoring at Operation Sunshine. I only know of two guys that are tutoring there, I am one and the other is TF Adam Daniels. The reason I even mention this is because Operation Sunshine is an ALL GIRLS after-school program for girls who live in a poverty-stricken area and they may not be getting all the educational help at home that they need. Because of the outlook that I decided to have when tutoring, I am actually enjoying tutoring this semester. I am having fun getting to know many of the kids.

I really respect the facilitator at Operation Sunshine. She is very nice, but at the same time, she does not put up with anyone’s mess. She makes sure that all of the girls have finished their homework before they get to play outside or in the game room. I go to help whoever needs help with homework and after they finish with their homework, I get to play with them.

At first a felt a little weird being the only male in the room, but I quickly got over my discomfort because I realized that I may be the only positive form of a male role model that these girls have in their lives. So, thinking of it that way, I do not mind playing dolls if that is what these girls want me to do with them. As long as I am making an impact in their lives then I do not mind being there for them however they need me.