Years ago, Abbi was a student who needed extra reading support. Today, she’s in her third year serving as a Reading Corps tutor in Faribault, Minnesota, helping students build the same skills and confidence that changed her own life.
Q: Take us back to the beginning. What was school like for you growing up?
A: In second and third grades, I was doing pretty well socially but was kind of struggling academically. A few teachers noticed that and put me in the Reading Corps program, which was just launching at the time. I had a tutor who was so kind and patient with me. It not only helped me with my reading skills but gave me a love for reading in general. That turned into a love of learning — I went on to do very well academically, and that support set me up for a long time, even into college.
Q: How did you find your way back to Reading Corps?
A: I graduated early from Luther College and was home for the summer trying to figure out what was next. I knew I wanted to keep going in school, but wasn’t sure what to do job-wise. Then I saw a poster for Reading Corps and started researching it. My mom reminded me that I had been in the program. It was full circle! And it fit perfectly. I could work during the day and complete my master’s degree in library and information science in the afternoons and on weekends. The schedule flexibility and the educational award were both very helpful.
Q: What moments with students have stayed with you?
A: One of the first that comes to mind is a kindergarten student who just couldn’t focus in a group setting, so his teacher thought he would benefit from one-on-one support. While tutoring him, I focused on building a relationship with him and talking about his interests. I had him again in first grade, and he went from practicing letter sounds to reading stories with me. Now he’s in second grade, but I don’t work with him anymore because he’s one of the best readers in his class! He’ll give me hugs in the hallway and say, “Why can’t I come with you?” And I tell him, “You’re too good of a reader now. You’re doing awesome.” Those relationships make coming to work a delight.
Q: What have you learned during your three years of service?
A: Being fresh out of college, I wasn’t used to going somewhere every day on a set schedule. Reading Corps is very structured, and that helped me build routine and organization skills. I also picked up general office skills, learned school systems, and built relationships with staff and students. That social piece, being part of a team, was really valuable. In my third year, we got new tutors at our school. I was able to step into more of a leadership role, helping onboard new tutors and practice interventions together. It was fun to carry over my knowledge and support others.
Q: Has your service shaped your career goals?
A: I always knew I wanted to be a librarian because I’ve always liked being in the library. But there are so many paths for librarians — you could work at a school or college, a public library, or corporate archives. Serving in Reading Corps while earning my degree helped me narrow it down. I started focusing on becoming a public librarian so I can do programming with kids, like reading programs and story times. It’s not exactly like tutoring, but it’s still helping kids develop a love of learning and a love of reading.
Q: What does serving mean to you personally?
A: I’ve always wanted to better my community and help others. In high school, I was part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, helping kids with schoolwork and spending time together. Reading Corps gave me another chance to serve something bigger than myself — to give back and do what someone once did for me. Someone once helped me want to learn and to read. This is my chance to do that for someone else.
Tutors are needed to help local students build their skills and confidence next school year! Visit Join.ReadingandMath.org to learn more and find an opportunity near you.