By Mae Dela Cruz
My journey at Team Read started when I was in Elementary School. I was in third grade when I remember being told that I had to start going to an after-school program where I would practice my reading, as English was my second language. For the rest of the year, I worked with a reading coach who made every bit of my time in Team Read meaningful by always making reading fun, as well as a learning experience. She was not just a coach to me, but also a friend who helped foster my love for reading. On my last day of Team Read as a reader, there was a celebration to showcase each reader’s accomplishment. My reading coach gave me a gift that I was so excited to open at home. To me, she has made a big difference in my life just by showing up and creating a space for me to grow.
I was only in Team Read for a year, and she was the only reading coach I ever had, but the impact she had on me made me never forget her. That’s why, one day, during my Freshman Year of High School, a friend of mine showed me a job opportunity at Team Read. I knew this would be a good opportunity for me to showcase my love for reading and also give back to the impact Team Read had on me to another kid. On my first day as a reading coach, I was paired with a reader who was a bit shy with me at first. I could tell that he was not yet comfortable with me and was afraid to make mistakes while reading. It was also my first time as a coach, and I struggled to form a connection with somebody who was not my age. However, as time went on, I realized that it’s all about creating a fun space for your reader to be themselves. I wanted to focus more on making their interests part of the learning experience so they can connect the books to their own lives. In just a few weeks, my reader felt more comfortable expressing themself to me and had incredible progress that made me share a sense of meaningful accomplishment with my reader.
This impactful experience inspired me to come back to Team Read. After I submitted my application as a return coach, I got an offer to be a Site Assistant. So far, this has been such a wonderful experience to see that other coaches and readers had the same positive experience as I did. Team Read is a life-changing experience that boosts your self-esteem and gives you resources to move towards a desired future. I am excited to see what this year holds for me and how my site will continue to provide an encouraging and positive environment!
