You don’t have to be an education major to make a difference in children’s lives. Jessica Meadows is a sophomore studying management at Wichita State University. She also works as the reading tutor for the Tutor (316) program.
Meadows began at Tutor (316) when she started at Wichita State in August 2021. In her hometown of Independence, Kansas, she participated in a program that focused on college readiness for underrepresented students. After her own experience, she wanted to continue helping underrepresented students learn and grow.
She currently works at Gordon Parks Academy in the Wichita Public School District. Meadows works as a success para in middle school social studies a few days out of the week, but she works primarily in the after-school program, focusing on math and reading comprehension.
“I started by helping kindergarten and first-grade children learn their letters and basic words,” Meadows says. “As I progressed, I started helping older children with their reading, mathematics, and social studies. I help guide the children through their homework or lessons, and I answer questions and assist with any problems they encounter.”
Meadows also notes how this position helped her be more flexible to changes, adaptive to different comprehension and skill levels and more empathetic and understanding of different situations.
“My experience has helped me feel more confident in the field of management,” Meadows says. “I figure if I can manage to keep elementary students focused on their work, I can manage changes within a business.”
She also says those who work with students, regardless of their major, will learn something about themselves and their goals as they help inspire the kids they work with.
“Through Tutor (316), I see how my assistance helps not only children's grades but also their confidence in themselves,” Meadows says. “Seeing how my support gets children excited to learn is something I treasure.”
Tutor (316) provides Wichita State students part-time employment opportunities to work with local schools in classrooms and after-school programs.
The Shocker Career Accelerator helps prepare students for their future careers by connecting them with employers and providing career development services. Contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, or stop by and see us in the John Bardo Center.