Throughout the past year, the STEP program has given me such a great perspective on what it will be like when I (hopefully) someday become a High School teacher.  Going to Green Tech last semester helped me to see what other people who had circumstances different to mine prepared for college.  The Albany Hugh School AVID classrooms gave me in classroom experience to help me gauge just what the classroom experience is like from the side of a staff member as opposed to that of a student.  

The Albany High School After-School Program has allowed me to hone my skills of communicating with the students about the curriculum,  But more so than all of that, working with the professional STEP staff (such as Amir, Miss Felita, Miss Celia, and Mrs. Bowman) has showed me how it is possible to close with the students while still helping them both learn and prepare for moving beyond high school.

What have I given the STEP program?  Truthfully, I'm not 100% sure.  I hope that I provided a helpful tutor at the very least.  But more so than that, I hope that I've provided the students a tutor/mentor who they could not only feel comfortable asking for help, but who they could trust and feel comfortable talking and working with.  My primary motivation for applying to work with the STEP program was to be able to help students to thrive and succeed.  I hope that I was able to provide that for some of our STEP students.

I always hate these types of questions.  What has <insert company/organization name here> given you?  I honestly never know how to respond to it, because I think you figure out valuable lessons when you’re completely removed, and not still working with the company or in this case, with the kids.  In a few months, wherever I am in life, I think it’ll come to me and I’ll be much more cognizant of what STEP has given me.  In the meantime, I believe STEP has, not necessarily given me anything, but has reminded me of just how good life is, of just how good God is, of just how bless I am.  I grew up in the hood, and then I left and came to Albany and forgot about how things were back home.  Seeing the kids, riding the bus with them and seeing the neighborhoods and seeing RIP signs on trees and spray painted on walls and seeing shoes dangling from the wires hanging above, it reminds me that life isn’t all about partying, and going out, and chilling with friends and working.  It reminds me that there’s so much more to life than this closed, gated community called college.  STEP is a daily reminder that there’s poverty out there, that there’s kids struggling, that some people who are well off, that some people who came from the “streets” and “made it” have not given back to the very place that made them who they are today.  It’s a sad realization and without STEP, I think I would have been on that same track, that same path that I aforementioned.

            What have I given to STEP?  I hope that the students were able to confide in me and feel a sense of comfort.  I hope that I changed the minds, the attitudes of some of the students.  I made it a point with the gentlemen that it was ladies first, regardless of the situation.  I hope I got the point across that, the minute they “mess up” and do something “foolish” that it’s their fault because they’ll be seen as the more aggressive, bigger, savages in today’s society.  I hope I implanted a seed in their mind, that when they want to talk to a girl, or want to engage in certain activities, that they do it in a proper way, in a respectful way, so that they don’t end up in a bad situation that threatens their freedom for the rest of their lives. 

I kept it real with STEP and they reciprocated.  These are young men and women and more than likely, they’ll be leading us “older” folks in a few years.  I didn’t try to sugarcoat things; they’re way too intelligent for that.  STEP has a piece of my heart.  I’ll always have a soft spot there for all whom I encountered.  I hope nothing but the best for the students, for the staff, for my colleagues, and for the administration.  As I graduate, and move on in life, I hope the values and wisdom I passed on to others, may continue.  I am optimistic about the future of the program and the future of the kids and I know that when all is said and done, despite what anyone who’s not in the program might say or think...... we’ll be alright.  

What I have gotten out of STEP is indescribable.  This year, I have worked, or am currently working at Hackett Middle School, North Albany Academy, Green Tech Academy, Albany High School, and tutoring here, at the University.  My responsibilities in each were different, so I got to put on many different hats when it came to dealing with teenagers and pre-teens.  I got to get one-on-one experiences some pre-teens and help them with homework assignments they were struggling with.  It was very satisfying for me to help someone struggling with something, like math, and explaining it to them and having them master it.  I, also, got to mentor, which I got a lot more out of.  When mentoring the teens and pre-teens I've mentored, I've found that it is important to make them feel comfortable with me because I am close enough in age with them to relate, but old enough to have some experience in certain things they might not be aware of.  In North Albany Academy, I was trying to make my mentees understand the importance of how well they do at this stage of their academics.  I, also, gave some advice on how to time manage between their studies and recreational activities, which I hope has gotten through to them.  It was a bit different in Green Tech, where the teens were just waiting to graduate and get to college.  It was a great experience for me to share my experiences in college and talk about the college process to these young men.  It made me realize that it wasn't that long ago that I was in their shoes, and how far I am getting to reaching my goals.  STEP has been great to me this year and I have definitely taken a lot from it.  I hope that my time and effort has been felt, and hope STEP continues with its success.  

Working with STEP this past year has been an pleasant experience. Besides the amazing experience that I obtained from STEP, it has also given me reassurance of the path I am pursuing, and an excellent opportunity to meet and work with amazing students and staff members. STEP has given me an opportunity to be involved in my community and my campus. It has driven me to want to be more involved with similar organizations. 

As a staff member I have never really sat down and thought about what I have contributed to the program and what it has given me. When I actually think about it the STEP program has given me so much. Working with the students has allowed me to see the world differently. Even though the students are not that much younger than me, their mentality on a lot of different issues are quite different than mine. 

The kids help me see everyday and remind me why I want to become a doctor because giving back is such an important thing to me. In addition, when I see these young scholars going out and reaching their goals, it emphasizes why I am doing the same. I believe that I have been an excellent resource for the kids. Not only have I tutored them and been a great mentor, I have been a good listener as well. Working for STEP has allowed me to build on my leadership and teamwork skills and I thank the supervisors for their constant support and making STEP a second family. I am blessed to say that I am a junior and I will be coming back to tutor because I love where I work. STEP overall has given me so much that it is difficult to express how truly grateful I am. 

Thanks to Felita Orr, Amir Gilmore, Etwin Bowman and Celia Rouse for allowing this program to run as smoothly as it does. 

"If you don’t share, your gifts go to spoil."

I realized this statement can work for sharing food to sharing knowledge and talents. I am hopeful that my contribution to STEP is a way to say ‘Thank You’ to the STEP program that I participated in when I was in the seventh grade on Long Island. It was unfortunate that my program did not continue in my school district but for me to be a part of UAlbany’s STEP program for the Albany High School, one amongst other schools that UAlbany STEP Program extends its service to, is a true blessing.

The students have been my source of motivation when I have a hard time starting or continuing my own personal tasks. Many students showcase a drive to succeed and when I see that kind of enthusiasm in their age, I have hope for the future! Their hope and drive is the root of finding meaning in life. I am honored to be in the presence of students who value life through enhancing their education.

The UAlbany STEP program is nurturing students who will become leading doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and leaders of many different fields. It has been a great experience to be a part of the STEP family. STEP has given me the energy necessary to believe in myself. The STEP program has been a foundation of inspiration to the students and this program also gives its tutors the tools necessary to make a foundation for these students. Thank You Dearly for giving me this opportunity, so that I will not spoil the gifts that only a great foundation can generate.

The relationship I have with the STEP program is mutualistic , in that both parties benefit. What I provide is more on the tangible side. I consider myself a resource to my students as well to my superiors and co-workers. Not only in terms of academic support but emotional as well. We all know in life everything is not always black and white but contains multiple shades of gray. 

I think that I give a sense of comfortability. I can break down certain barriers that come with this responsibility. In essence, I am a people person. I talk a lot and laugh a lot. I feel being able to communicate effectively is needed not only when you are working with students but just in life in general. I feel I bring that important dish to the table. What the STEP program has given to me, is something worth more than a check.  It has given me opportunities to meet new people , introduced me to a whole new environment and allowed me to actually make a change in a student's life.  Every day with the STEP program is a new learning experience. I know if I need anything I can go to the STEP office and they can help me get or at least point me in the right direction. I can truthfully say that I was grateful to  be able to get involved in this type of program. The STEP Program really gives off a family vibe and I am so happy I got to be apart of it. 

My experience at STEP was not like any other similar program I have worked for. It was an interesting experience and I met a lot of good people, both students and tutors. I feel like I gave the students both short term and long term guidance. Especially in AVID, I got to know the students and helped them envision beyond high school. With Billy and Kariel, we made a presentation about our experience from high school to college to assist them and steer them away from common misconceptions and mistakes. 

A specific experience was when I helped two students write an essay for a competitive program, and they both got in. It felt good to be a part of a program with students who truly want to learn and get ahead in life. What I gained from STEP was insight from the students and meeting the diverse group of tutors. Getting to know and interacting with the students helped me remember what it was like to be their age. It helped me remember my goals and why I wanted to achieve them. 

Some of these students have had interesting experiences in life and were happy to share them with me. It helped me step out of my college life bubble and learn much more. I was also fortunate enough to meet some interesting tutors. I can’t remember the last job I had where people made an effort to hang out after hours and have fun together. The tutors are more than just colleagues who acknowledge each other until they punch the clock. I’ve had the pleasure of hanging out with them a few times and can honestly say it was a lot of fun. After a semester of being a part of STEP, I can say that I have formed friendships that I hope will last past graduation.

 The main thing I contributed to STEP was my knowledge in the math, chemistry and biology fields. Tutoring and helping students with their assignments and studying has become second nature to me. Other than sharing my knowledge, I believe I also contributed my love and care. When I wasn’t helping a student with an assignment, I was talking to them about anything that came up in conversation like current events, or how times have changes or the government etc. This lead me to get to know the students and my co-workers better, which ultimately lead me to love being in the environment I was in and also love doing what I was suppose to do.

One of the most important things STEP has given me was the chance to grow. Interacting with the high school students so often has leaded me to be more understanding and patient with anyone that I may encounter. Although I may not always show it, I am more loving and caring now than I was before I started. I’ve learned to be a better person in all that I do, not just for me, but for the people around me as well. STEP has provided me with the opportunity to really branch out and become the well-rounded person that I wanted to be. Not only did STEP help me build my character and teach me work ethics, but STEP also provided me with unforgettable friends and memories, which I am really grateful for.   

Hello World! Being a STEP tutor has been an intriguing learning experience for me. I learned that to be a good tutor, I had to be able to set a relaxing atmosphere. To do this, I had to think quickly, be patient, and be comfortable to be around. Otherwise, the students and I wouldn't be able to concentrate. 

Although I'm not decent at these skills, I have improved since starting. I'm positive that I'll continue to polish these skill, but being at Albany High to help the students and making the day more enjoyable is the current extent of what I have to offer. 

When I applied for the STEP program, I was just hoping to do well in this new environment of high school students.  Because of certain personality traits, I am often encouraged to work with young children alone.  I, however, felt I had something to offer adolescent students, but had no idea what that would be.  This experience, for me was just about being brave enough to apply, and thankfully I was accepted.  After some time I found my strength in mentoring.  

This past year working for STEP, I have definitely gained more than I had ever anticipated.  I came in somewhat shy and kind of to myself, knowing however, that I really wanted to help make a difference in someone’s life.  STEP has definitely given me the opportunity to do such and to help build my character as well.  Working with these students has taught me that every or any little thing that you do can make a difference in their lives.  The students most of the time whether they realize it or not, are looking up to us staff members of STEP as the leader and the example to follow.  By me sharing my story and life experiences with the students, a lot of them may feel like they can relate, due to a similar situation they may face.  It really feels great knowing that I have helped someone and may have potentially been a factor in a big decision they have made, such as where to attend college.

By opening up and giving STEP the real me and my story, I have helped others and I have gained experience which has in turn helped me.   By giving campus tours, being a part of a discussion panel, and just reaching out to students, I have put myself out there in ways I may not normally have.  Such has definitely caused me to grow as a person and somewhat break out of my shy character.  I have learned that sometimes people just want to talk without having to worry about being judged.  Not only have the students helped me to break out my shell, but the STEP staff as well. 

 

I think a lot of the typical tutoring jobs will enrich a tutor’s understanding of the subject matter and increase their confidence while tutoring. For me, these are just some of the side benefits of working with STEP (to be fair, the modest paycheck is another).
  
A year ago, I took an education class that basically inspired me to be a teacher. In the class, I was exposed to some pedagogical theory, and ever since, I started noticing some of the glaring flaws in the education system in the U.S. and I wanted to fix them - to put theory to practice. However, I was never aware of the fact that my urge to fix the system was also a desire to move it closer to my ideal. My own experiences in high school and college have been so influential in shaping my views about education that I almost forgot that high school can be so different for other students. That’s where STEP came in. If I didn’t have my feet on the ground, working with students one on one and getting to know them, I never would have arrived at this realization. Reading about ideas on the way education should be cannot be divorced from the way education is, and STEP has given me the opportunity to see a part of the system from a different perspective.

As I continue on my path towards being a teacher, it is this realization that I hope to never forget. The flaws in the education system aren’t just abstract problems to solve – they affect real students every day. Tutoring with STEP has given me an inside look at just a few of the problems facing high schools and high school students, but this knowledge is so valuable. It is now some of the testimonies of students that shape my ideals, as opposed to pure pedagogical theory. As I work towards being a better teacher, I think it’s so vital to remember that each student has a story - each student brings to class their own goals, their own likes and dislikes, their own strengths and personality, and it’s so very important to recognize that. Pedagogy driven only by the goals of the teacher and ignorant of the goals of the learner is carrying around a pretty big oversight.

My time at STEP has also taught me about the importance of patience – sometimes the sweet feeling of clarity is visibly evident while other days I’ve had to remind myself that progress is gradual. I’ve learned about the dangers of complacency. It’s easy to come to work and fall into a routine of working on just an assignment. For me, this trap has underscored the importance of going into each tutoring session with the goal of helping that student become an independent learner - and finding new ways to emphasize that at every chance. On top of all this, the bonds I’ve made through STEP are the icing on the cake. I’ve met some pretty unique people and I sincerely hope the bonds we have can continue to grow in the future.

Above all, I’m simply grateful to STEP for the opportunity. It scares me a little to think that I could have gone the year without meeting some people and learning so much. It’s not every day you find a job with such great support and potential to grow, and I’m sincerely thankful for that. 

Working with STEP this semester had truly been a great experience. Not only did I get to contribute my time and service to the program as well to the students, I was able to get something back at the same time. Becoming part of the STEP team gave me a new set of family. A family that works, hang and grow together. Each of the individuals that I came across are different in their own way and nothing less than a genius. 

I would like to first and foremost start off by saying THANK YOU to STEP for employing me and secondly for giving me the opportunity to impact many lives. As a STEP tutor and mentor, I have been fortunate enough to meet great students and colleagues; working with STEP has been great and at times the highlight of my day. I have had the opportunity to share my experiences, opinions, and knowledge with everyone I have encountered, as well as have some good laughs along the way.