“There are moments that make you who you are. Some come and go and others overcome you like a wave, changing who you are forever." My wave came two years ago in the form of a wickedly smart African man and a quiet, fourteen year old boy.
In February 2012, I was introduced to St. Leo’s, a parish serving refugees from countries in Africa who have relocated to the United States. I began tutoring an older man named Simeon, helping him learn English. When I met him, I was overcome by the incredible weight he carried on his shoulders. As months passed and he relaxed around me, I saw a man with an incredible sense of humor, amazing intelligence, and depth that I can only hope to reach. He has survived catastrophic things and in the process of helping Simeon, I developed a life changing relationship with a man whose language I cannot speak. I am sure he taught me more than I taught him.
During these months, a young Burundian boy named Alex began to attend St. Leo’s to get help with homework. I was asked to assist Alex and so I tutored him throughout the summer and we soon became friends. After meeting Alex’s family, as well as the larger community of Burundians, I realized there were many children who needed academic help.
The solution was simple — start a tutoring program. Throughout the summer of 2012, I developed the program, meeting with the administration of St. Leo’s and finding tutors. I contacted many local high schools and parishes to offer the program as an option for service hours.
In the fall of 2012, the program began. We average forty students, pre-K through high school, who come weekly for help. We have many adults, as well as students and teachers from five local high schools that tutor. Another driver and I pick up the children and bring them to and from tutoring. I have collected donations from various sources for supplies. We just began our second year and the program continues to grow.”
Cole will graduate from Elder this year. His journey will continue in August when he leaves to attend American University's School of International Service, majoring in International Relations and minoring in Business. American University creates meaningful change in the world, offering a balance between class time and career advancing experience in Washington, D.C., and beyond. American is very social justice based.
Cole’s mother, Kerry, couldn’t be more thrilled: “His post-university plans are to go into government service, with the goal of working in another country. He eventually has plans to start his own non-profit agency. His association with St. Leo's has taught him so many things. It has been a life changing blessing. He has learned so much from the wonderful people he's met there and he has learned leadership qualities through his responsibilities with the tutoring program. He truly would not be where he is today without this experience. God definitely has a plan for him and it has been really neat to watch it unfold.”
It only takes one seed.
- Stephanie Sepate