Some nights are a perfect storm. Twenty students (wonderful) turn out but only seven volunteers and two reading listeners. Add report cards coming in, copying said report cards, and just generally keeping things running smooth and the board member in charge has a very busy and slightly stressful evening.
But then there’s the moment when a student walks up with a valentine addressed to Mrs Merry [Mary to the rest of us!] and her night becomes much brighter! Those moments stand out in the many gratifying interactions that all of us volunteers have because they touch our hearts and remind us that we are making a difference–and we are appreciated.
The kids are valentines for us all. What a privilege it is to work with them as they learn and grow.