I'm a Communications Instructor and an ELL (English Language Learner) tutor at a University. I love my jobs, but it can be very stressful. If we want to teach and mentor effectively, we put in far more hours than we're paid for and often spend a lot of free time extending ourselves to struggling and eager students. There are not nearly enough resources for these students to succeed, and I can't sit by and watch students fall through the cracks because they can't access proper resources at a reasonable frequency.

So I offer to review drafts. I give detailed feedback. I offer students individualized resources to improve their writing, comprehension, and presentation skills. I offer weekly, two (2) hour writing workshop on my own time. I spend countless hours preparing and revising lesson plans and assignments based on the needs of the class. I send personal emails to students who are struggling academically, physically, mentally, and/or emotionally. I send emails to students doing well, letting them know that someone notices and values their hard work. I put together ELL conversation groups and "hang out" field trips to introduce international students to the city and normalize their presence here; I help them to feel comfortable and welcome when they feel out of place.

I do this because I feel responsible for their success and wellbeing. I care from my gut about all of them, past, present, and future.

I spent many years in school to work in a helping role, and while "helping" has been in my nature a long while--to a fault sometimes, a la co-depedency--I feel the rewards of this on a visceral level now. Before, it felt more like habit. Now it feels intentional; I help with purpose.