The first task for tutors and students is to develop a rapport that sets the tone for successful learning. Over the course of several five-day weeks of one-on-one tutoring, the students count on a supportive environment to boost their efforts and achieve their goals.
“Relationships are fundamental to success,” says Marketia White, a Beyond Basics Program Manager who oversees tutors and is currently working with five high school students in Detroit Public Schools Community District.
“There may be things going on at home or in students’ personal lives that may hinder attendance or participation, especially now during COVID, and our first job is to make them feel safe and that an adult is noticing them and wants to serve their best interests,” says Marketia, who also runs Mommies in the D, a non-profit that empowers young mothers to achieve their personal and parenting goals.
Angel McCray, a 10th grader at Mumford High School, with whom Marketia works not only on reading but on descriptive writing, recently wrote about her burgeoning catering business, Angel’s Kitchen.
“She was blown away to learn about essay writing; and the grammar, punctuation, and spelling we go over can be used in other classes,” Marketia says.
The experience has been “life-changing,” Angel says. “Not only Beyond Basics itself, but having Ms. Marketia’s guidance,” Angel says. “I will strive to do great things and not stand in anyone’s shadow.”
For Marketia, who is passionate about kids pursuing paths that lead to opportunity, feedback like this makes her grin. “At the end of the day, I will be done with them, and they will go back to their lives and the larger world. I want to leave an imprint that lasts.”
