This possibility has had a profound impact on the needs that I think the community -- especially these school children -- possesses. Being a tutor implies a certain type of behavior and activity; tutors instruct their students in academic areas and help them solve specific issues and/or problems one at a time. I think that what this particular segment of the community needs is more accurately described as a mentor. In addition to extra assistance with academic instruction and learning, the children I observed during my time as their tutor really need a regular influence in their life to help them build confidence and self-esteem along with helping them improve their skills. Becoming dejected about their perceived shortcomings will only make their problems worse, and the more discouraged they become about their reading the less likely they will be to progress even with the help of a tutor. Someone who...

Enlisting more of my peers to do the same thing at elementary schools around the city -- and even further -- would also be of major assistance to the community. Many people probably do not realize that reading problems are still such an issue, and the affects that low reading skills can have on one's confidence and overall ability. Simply spreading the word about the issue and drawing attention to solutions is a very necessary first step in addressing the issue.