VOLUNTEERING AT PODER LEARNING CENTER
by Judith Ray
November 7, 2008

For a long time, I wanted to do volunteer work in the area of literacy. When I began to work from home, my schedule became more flexible than it had been for many years, so I started to think about where and with whom I might volunteer. I became interested in working with the Latino community because I was so impressed with the people I came in contact with in my day-to-day activities. For example, clerks at the grocery store were courteous, quick and able. Sales people in all areas of retail were friendly and hard-working. In fact, “hard-working” is the word I would use to describe all of my experiences with the Hispanic population. I zeroed in on this population for my volunteer efforts. I was not to be disappointed.

As a choir member at Old St. Mary’s Church in Chicago, I met Maryann Cushing. Both she and her husband, Vince, volunteered at Poder Learning Center. From her description, I believed that this was the place for me. I quickly signed up, and five years later, I am still enthusiastic about the endeavor and enthralled with the students.

Every hour I spend with the students, I am newly impressed by their attention and desire. This is a serious undertaking for these folks and they give it their all, usually while juggling jobs and families. Many times, students come to class directly from their night jobs, tired but still determined to improve their lives by improving their English. They are always polite, cheerful and willing.

I am also impressed by the manner in which these students treat each other. No one is an outcast; they are all in the same boat, and they all help each other. When I tutor more than one student at a time, I like to pair people from different parts of the room who don’t normally “hang out” together. It never fails that these students treat each other with respect and courtesy and help out when one gets stuck. I have never heard a derogatory remark or noticed a superior air.

Working for a wage or volunteering is never 100% good unless the organization is good. The staff at Poder Learning Center is outstanding -- dedicated and committed. Volunteers need not fear a lack of appreciation, because we are thanked over and over again, by both the students and the staff. My experience at Poder has been life-enriching.