Since 2001, honor students have been volunteering to tutor middle and high school students, giving them an opportunity to not only help out, but also to form friendships.
“It has really proven to be a great program,” graduate assistant Mary Margaret Fish said. “A lot of the students who were here last year have come back and have really benefited from it.”
Fish is responsible for maintaining the tutoring sessions.
The sessions occur every Tuesday and Thursday in the Sears Honors House from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The tutors, honors students from Harding, are volunteers willing to help the high school students with whatever subject they need help in.
Freshman Evan Smith has a few years of experience as a tutor.
“I’ve always been interested in tutoring,” Smith said. “I actually did a free tutoring program in high school, so this is nice. I feel right at home.”
One of the students being tutored, a 15-year-old from Searcy High School, expressed that it has helped her understand a lot more about English and math.
Math seems to be the subject that needs the most help among the students.
According to Fish, students being tutored must be between 7th and 12th grade.
All subjects are covered, and snacks are offered to the students as well.
Students not only engage in an afternoon study session, they also have the opportunity to experience something more.
“More than just homework help, sometimes kids come here for a quiet place to relax after school,” Fish said.
With five to six students currently on the waiting list to be tutored, the tutoring sessions are in high demand.
“I feel like it’s a really growing ministry,” Fish said, “I wish we had a bigger place to be able to do it. It’s been a really good thing.”
Tutors and students alike have benefited from this program.
“I really love it,” freshman Annemarie Doyle said, “The kids are all really sweet, and it makes me feel better to be giving back.”
This program has used something as simple as tutoring to reach out to the community of Searcy, while also enriching the lives of all influenced by it.
“I think being able to help people who are struggling in turn helps you understand the subjects even more and is also a form of service,” Smith said. “That’s something that we should do as Christians.”
