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Reaching out, one student at a time
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| | | Fan Fan, second from left, is pictured with adult sponsors of 121 Reach. Pictured are Dale Folkins, Karen White and Deborah Sheppard.
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June 11, 2009
JOHNS CREEK – Fan Fan got involved with the startup of Chattahoochee's High School Tutoring Club last fall, but something about it wasn't right for her. She wanted to make it better.
So earlier this year, she started the non-profit, 121-Reach, a tutoring organization that partners high school students with middle schoolers.
"Tutors are expensive," said Fan, a rising senior. "I realized that there's a lot of kids who need help but there's a chance their parents can't afford it."
Fan began putting 121 Reach together by connecting Chattahoochee High School students with neighboring Taylor Road Middle School students. The CHS students tutor the TRMS students – for free.
Fan said she's always loved helping children, so starting 121 Reach was natural progression.
"I really love learning and I understand that education is important," she said. "I'm kind of unique when it comes to working with other kids."
Fan said the name, 121 Reach, means one high schooler to one middle schooler.
"Reach' comes from (the high schoolers) reaching out to middle schoolers and at the same time they are also reaching for their goals," said Fan. "We want to reach as many kids as possible."
Fan said the tutoring program is different from a traditional tutoring curriculum.
"It kind of makes us a little different," said Fan. "It's a kids-to-kids program. The high schoolers can relate to the middle schoolers since they're not too much older."
Fan said the high schoolers have a vested interest in the program, hoping to set a positive example for the middle schoolers and lead them in the right direction.
So far, there are 40 tutors and 32 tutees that meet on Thursday nights in the TRMS media center. But the program – and relationships that are built – doesn't stop there.
Tutors cover a range of subjects and when tutees sign up for the program, they can specify what areas in which they need help. Fan said tutors and tutees are matched based on what subjects are in need of help and the tutors and tutees common interests as well.
"It's easier for them to interact as well," she said. "At first, some of the tutors and tutees were nervous, but after a tutoring session, they clicked and afterward began talking about subjects not related to school."
Tutors and tutees exchange phone numbers and e-mails, just in case a question arises during homework duties or while preparing for a test; it's something that Fan said only helps build the bond between the two students.
Fan's goal for her senior year is to spread the program, hoping to replicate it at other local schools.
"Starting this organization has changed me," said Fan. "I've seen many things that I never would've seen otherwise."
Fan's mother, Jinghong, said she is proud of her daughter.
"I'm really proud of this model," she said. "With the idea that if it's at every high school, it can become a movement."
Fan, a member of the National Honor Society and vice president of the Spanish Club, said 121 Reach taught her leadership on a whole new level.
"Motivating others didn't occur to me until 121 Reach," she said. "Cooperating and working with others – that was really amazing. I learned so much about human relationships. There's only finite time and this brings people together."
One of the biggest challenges, said Fan, is motivating the tutors and tutees.
"We'll give small treats to the tutors and we've had an end-of-the-year party, too," she said.
Fan also said she is going to try to hold fundraisers for the non-profit, to help finance field trips and retreats for the students next year.
Tutors and tutees can sign up on the organization's Web site, http://121reach.org/index.htm.
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Reader Comments
These are our reader's opinions and thoughts.The opinions on this site are posted by our readers, and are not edited by Appen Inc.
121 Reach (Fan Fan)
June 15, 2009 | 10:23 AM
I think this is a great program that will bring positive social change to two different age groups, not to mention, getting the parents on both sides involved. This goes back to "it takes a village to raise our kids". In this day and age, eduation is empowerment and fosters a positive social environment. Fan Fan, this is a great idea and will bring communities together. Thank you!
J. Dudley, Tucker
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