Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Twenty-two pasta dinners and counting!

Today, I will be hosting the 22nd annual Educational Main Street tutor dinner celebrating the spring semester accomplishments of over 200 University student tutors at nine different schools sites. Typically, our dinners have the same format-pasta, desserts, awards, door prizes, and certificates. We work hard to make it special, we change up the themes (tonight's theme is Jungle Fever) and find unique gifts to give each student. We send out invitations and wait to see what happens. If you host, will they come? Each semester, our worst fears never materialize and we are pleasantly surprised. The students arrive in batches; they start off as a small trickle and then arrive in larger groups. They sit together to eat (perhaps too, their dwindling meal plain points and the promise of food may play a role in their turnout!) and enjoy the evening. They bring the energy of commitment and comradery. These tutors completes between 25-50 hours of service learning working in small groups or one/one with students needing help. in 2010, the Points of Light Foundation calculated the worth of volunteer hours at $20.85/hour. Our students contribute (using the 25 hour mark) $104,250.00 this semester to the community. But, Educational Main street is a two-way street. The University students learn many great lessons from their young tutees. They learn patience, empathy, and life-long commitment to service. The benefits to both groups are extraordinary. But, tonight is about celebration. My staff and I get to bask in the light of these students' accomplishments. Tonight may be my 22nd dinner, I will be wearing animal print to match the theme and the night will be as always a truly special event. Thanks, tutors, for another wonderful semester.

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