A thank you note for a YSM volunteer tutor
This September, YSM’s Family Education Centre will again offer free academic tutoring, connecting children in grades 9-12 who are experiencing financial need with one-on-one help from a volunteer tutor.
Right now, we’re celebrating the hard work of one of our former students, Ailani,* who successfully graduated high school last spring and is now beginning her first year at university. Congratulations, Ailani!
She recently sent us this note, full of excitement for her future:
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the help and support you’ve given me. Since I started receiving tutoring at YSM, I’ve noticed a big improvement in both my sciences and math, especially in math, which was the subject I struggled with most. But now, not only have my grades gone up, but my confidence in math has grown, helping me change the way I approach and solve work. Because of all your help, I am excited to share that I’ve been accepted into two of my university choices for Biology! This is a huge achievement for me, as I’ll be the first in my family to go to university. I truly couldn’t have done it without the support and guidance I received from YSM. Your support has made me change my lens about learning, making it much easier to learn. In the future, I’d love to give back and help others the way you’ve helped me!
Thank you for your partnership, which makes our tutoring program and stories like Ailani’s possible! To learn more about volunteering as a tutor, email volunteer@ysm.ca.
*Community member’s name and image have been changed to protect their privacy. This story originally appeared in the fall 2025 issue of YSM’s quarterly newsletter Urban Lights.