Student Volunteering Week: Finding purpose and poetry in tutoring
For Student Volunteering Week, we are shining a light on the incredible impact our student volunteers have in classrooms across the country. Today, we hear from an Open University student, Natasha, who discovered that sharing a love for English isn’t just about tutoring the academics – it’s about connection, recovery, and “carpe diem.”
Why I started
As a BA student with the Open University, Natasha was looking for a way to bridge the gap between her degree and her future career.
“I was looking for an online volunteer role linked to my much-loved subject, English. I plan to start Initial Teacher Training later this year when I graduate and although I have two teenage daughters – I wanted to experience working with young people. I was really keen to start sharing my love of Literature and Creative Writing with pupils.”
A memorable achievement
Tutoring provides a unique platform for creativity, leading to breakthrough moments for both the tutor and the pupil.
“I was really proud to support a pupil who was inspired by a workbook activity to write her own poem for the first time. She inspired me to write my own and I encouraged my other tutor groups to join in the poetry writing exercise and share them with their teachers.”
Building confidence and skills
One of the biggest concerns for new volunteers is whether they have enough experience. However, the right resources can make all the difference.
“The training and tutoring workbooks gave me the confidence to get started because they cover everything you need to know about the subject and guide you on how to deliver it. I’m still surprised by how much is included in the workbooks because the content is so well laid out and clear to use. I find it difficult to stare at a screen for extended periods, so I have a print version of the workbook which is brilliant!”
Beyond the curriculum, the role helps develop essential soft skills too.
“I think the most valuable skill I’ve developed is being a more reflective communicator. Explaining ideas to meet different pupils’ confidence and ability level has helped me develop more patience and emotional awareness. This helps with communicating clearly, especially in an online setting where it can be more difficult to gauge how a person feels.”
Impact on wellbeing and recovery
Volunteering often has unexpected benefits for the volunteer’s own mental health and perspective on their abilities.
“Yes, volunteering has had several unexpected positive effects, especially on my mental health and wellbeing. After long periods of illness, volunteering supported me in my recovery by helping me to build a structure around the routine. The sense of purpose I get from contributing as a volunteer has endless knock-on effects; It improved my confidence, has made me feel less isolated and more capable. Most importantly, it reminds me that having a disability doesn’t limit me.”
Balancing university life
For many students, the main barrier is time. Natasha found that a little organisation goes a long way.
“Action Tutoring fits well into my university life because it’s a manageable time commitment so long as I stay organised and use my calendars. I love that I get to play a meaningful role that I do purely for the joy of it. On the days that I struggle to get started, just remembering that a group of young people are waiting for me is a great motivation to get going and carpe diem!”
Advice for prospective student tutors
If you’re considering joining us this Student Volunteering Week but aren’t quite sure yet, here is some advice:
“I’d reassure them that the training and resources are all provided – I opted for a tutor buddy to practice delivering sessions online before getting started. The role is really flexible, and the personal benefits far outweigh the time you put in.”
“I would advise students to be realistic about their commitments and availability. Start small and treat volunteering as something that supports your wellbeing, not something that adds pressure to you.”
“Relax and enjoy getting to know and learning with your pupils. I’ve learnt a lot from them all, and they help me to remember many things I’d forgotten. Reflect often on what you are experiencing and learning and how the role affects you.”
Inspired to make a difference?
This Student Volunteering Week, join our community of tutors and find your own “carpe diem” moment.
