A Student and a Teacher: June’s Volunteer of the Month is Ariana Orozco!
One of the many (many) great things about working at 826michigan is how many truly good people you get to meet. People who freely give of themselves and their talents. People who make commitments and follow through. People who, in short, get good things done.
Ariana Orozco, our June Volunteer of the Month, is one of those people. A PhD candidate in Germanic Studies at the University of Michigan, Ariana is also a long-time volunteer with 826michigan. And when we say long-time, we mean LONG-time: we fondly recall Ariana’s time tutoring in our program at Ypsilanti Middle School many years ago, where she designed language games and writing prompts we’re still using in our programs today. She herself continues to serve in those programs as a faithful tutor in our Washington Street Tutoring Lab, a volunteer in our In-School Residency/publication project in Ms. Sirman’s class at Ypsilanti Community High School, and much more. Ariana’s generosity (she has a history of donating books to students in our programs), humor, intelligence, and supportive, friendly tutoring style make her an asset wherever she is found.
In 826michigan’s programs, students certainly learn about things like math homework, acrostic poems, and study skills. But — perhaps more importantly — they also learn by example, every day, from the caring adults who choose to spend time with them through 826michigan. We are so glad that so many of 826michigan’s students have had the opportunity to learn from Ariana Orozco.
Ariana, in your time with 826michigan you have made us a better place in so many ways. We are grateful for you and hope to know you for many years to come!
