The idea of doing tutoring was never something I wanted to do. Tutoring was always a scary thought to me. I thought it would be a waste of time and it wouldn’t be useful. 

 

But once I started this program with Karen, I realized how helpful it was. Right away, I started improving so much. Throughout my day at school, I would notice little things that I was learning with Karen. As I learned more and more, I started progressing faster and faster. It was such a great experience.

 

It was also really hard work! To be honest, there were times when I wanted to quit because it was so hard. As an athlete, I just wanted to focus on sports! 

 

But I am so glad now that I didn’t quit. I’m glad I took the time to learn common spelling rules, because now I understand how words are put together. This program made my life better, and I’m so grateful for it! 

 

Here’s what I want to say specifically to other students who are working with Karen:

 

Sometimes you’re going to go through hard times in this program and it will feel like you’re not going to make it through. I know this from experience. I hit a road block for a couple of months and I was so discouraged that I thought I was DONE! But trust me: keep pushing. JUST KEEP PUSHING. You’ll make it, and you’ll be glad you did!

​

                                      _________________________________________________

 

A note from Jonathan to Karen:

 

Dear Karen,

​

Thank you so much for helping me and sticking with me through this journey. I have learned so much from you. I hope you continue to teach students and help them grow like me.

​

It has been a true honor to work with you.

​

Love,

​

Jonathan

  _________________________________________________

 

IN MEMORIAM

​

Jonathan Crain passed out of this life in October 2024, at the age of 17.

Jonathan was one of the funniest, smartest, most competitive people I have ever known.

Jonathan's testimonial above has been an immeasurable gift to my other students.

I share it with my students who need encouragement.

It lets them know that they are not alone, and that Jonathan related to their struggles.

I show them photos of him doing cool stuff:

riding elephants, playing sports, riding his motorcycle, being adventuresome...

and they respect the fact that Jonathan was no wimp, to say the least!

Because of that, his words carry extra weight.

In this way, Jonathan brings strength and support to my other students,

and that will continue to be the case for the rest of my teaching career.

I will be forever grateful for having been a part of Jonathan's life.