Having recently completed her bachelor’s degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Minnesota, Cassie Stoll knew she wanted to launch her career and do something she was passionate about.
As she reflected on possible next steps, she remembered her nephew’s remarkable experience with Reading Corps as a kindergartner. “He made tremendous strides in his literacy skills,” Cassie said, “so I knew firsthand that the program works.”
An avid reader herself, Cassie was drawn to Reading Corps and thought working in a school would be a new and challenging experience for her. After starting her service at Zimmerman Elementary School in Zimmerman, Minnesota, Cassie quickly found out that to the kids, she wasn’t just a tutor, but a cheerleader, educator, advocate and friend.
“There’s never a dull moment when you’re serving,” Cassie explains. “My students could always make me smile, regardless of what kind of day I was having. One of my favorite [memories] is when I found out that two of my students would play ‘Reading Corps’ together at daycare after school. They would do all of our reading activities and take turns being ‘Miss Cassie’!”
Cassie enjoyed her service so much that she was inspired to enroll at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota to complete a master’s in special education. Within the next couple of years, she hopes to have a classroom of her own. “My tutoring experience has given me a purpose and helped me discover what I want to do with the rest of my life!” Cassie says.
And to those considering service? She has one piece of advice: “Go into the experience with an open mind and an open heart. You never know where your service year will take you.” On top of that, you are boosting kids’ literacy skills and getting them on track for success.
If you think Reading Corps sounds like your next adventure, send us an email or give us a call at 866.859.2825 to learn more about opportunities near you.