"My name is Shiquita and I'm a 10th grader at Lincoln Park High School. I've been attending the tutoring program since I was in 1st grade. I like coming to the tutoring program because I like the atmosphere and that I'm able to complete all of my homework on time. Another reason that I like tutoring is because of my tutor, Carrie, she is the best. She helps me with my homework and personal problems as well. She recently helped me go on a college tour this spring break. My tutor also helps me maintain good grades so that I will be able to get into the college of my choice. I'm looking forward to attending Tennessee State University because of the surroundings and the people that goes there. I'm looking forward to having Carrie as my tutor next year."
-- Shiquita (10th grade)

"Chicago Lights Tutoring is a fun, educational, and helpful place. Most of the tutors are really nice, even to the children they're not tutoring. My tutor, Bree, helps me every week with everything I do. There are fun programs and games that are provided here. You can never run out of things to do from games, to library or computers, to talking to your tutor. There are always people around to help with any problem about your homework. You make many friends and strong friendships with people you may have never known. Tutors really care about their tutee which really makes me feel safe and comfortable where I am."
-- Arjah'nay Herron (7th grade)

After years in the corporate world, Jon now works as the innkeeper at the Old Chicago Inn in Wrigleyville. Throughout his 20 years, Jon has tutored seven different children-- always on Monay nights--including one girl for six years and a boy for five. Jon keeps in touch with many of his students,"lately by text messaging," he says.

In addition to their weekly homework sessions, Jon likes to catch baseball games with his students -- he just celebrated his current student's 11th birthday at a Sox game. They also often visit restaurants or make cookies together. "One of my favorites has been trick-or-treating," he says. Although not required by the program, "doing [outside] things together really helps me get to know [my students]," he says. "I think if possible it's also great to have a relationship with parent or guardian or teacher. I often call the school when the kid is young enough to have just one teacher."

The main change Jon has seen in the Tutoring program over the past 20 years is increased organization. He says, "Great enhancements include the still-improving computer lab, the career training program, and the occasional after-tutoring social opportunities, when tutors can connect with each other. It's such a great way to connect with the community, and I really enjoy the kids." He notes that another thing that keeps him coming back are the friendships he's developed with other tutors and program staff members. They often meet up for socializing outside the program as well.

One of Jon's favorite memories is the time his fifth- or sixth-grade student informed him that the three parts of the atom were the proton, the neutron, and the crouton. And he says he realized what a crazy concept Daylight Savings Time is the night he could not convince his student that it existed.

As for wisdom he's gained from the tutoring experience, "one lesson I learned early on at a training session was the response to the question, 'Do the kids appreciate what we do?'" he says. "The trainer replied, 'I can't always say yes, as many aren't at a point in their lives where they understand what you're giving them. But I also can't say no. I guess the best answer is not yet.' That answer has proven itself when I occasionally hear from young adults whom I tutored many years ago," says Jon.