To share knowledge
By Shawna Puali'i Aveiro
is to learnFOUR years ago I came across a "Help Wanted" sign that read: "If interested in teaching my two boys please contact me."
I remember how shy and silly the boys seemed when I first saw them. Their little eyes were peeking out from behind a wall, and each time I caught them looking at me they would swing their heads back behind the wall.
I was immediately given the job when I met the two boys and their mother, who told me, "You a very nice girl and your report card show good grade."
As Linh and Tuan's private tutor, I step in when school is over. I hold many responsibilities which not only include teaching them math, English, spelling and history, but also instilling in them some wisdom about life.
I encourage them to work hard in school so that they can lead productive and comfortable lives.
"Cooperation is the key to getting along in society. In time you'll both be grown men leading lives of your own, and all your lives you'll be dealing with people," I tell them. It's the same message when I tell them, "Tuan, stop kicking and teasing your brother. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
The first year of tutoring was the hardest. The boys' English was limited so it was often difficult for us to communicate. It took a lot of time and patience to get them to pronounce English words correctly and to speak in coherent sentences.
They now speak with near-perfect syntax and they understand everything I say. I never have to remind them about putting their commas, quotation marks, parentheses and apostrophes in appropriate places.
Linh and Tuan both share a love of literature and look forward to the days I read aloud to them. I have noticed that both are much more talkative and outgoing now, and that has played an important role in improving their cooperative behavior.
The boys' report cards have improved each quarter and that has made their mother very happy.
At the same time, the learning process has not been one-sided. My students have taught me patience, determination and self-confidence. I have learned some of their language and their family's customs and values. I feel privileged to have acquired these precious gifts. I know I will be able to use this knowledge as I further my education.
The things I have learned represent information I could not have gained without these boys as a part of my life. I can honestly say that I was their student also.
Education is not limited to what is learned in classes or books. My favorite saying is, "Never call it an education unless it has taught you life's true values."
Shawna Aveiro is a senior at Kaiser High School. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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