Interview with a Tutor: Zayda Ortiz

What favorite book from your childhood would you recommend?

Reading & English were pretty difficult for me, so I didn't really like books. But I remember falling in love with The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo. I remember the storytelling and characters coming off the page and it felt like I was in the story with them. The story felt very soft and warm and I looked forward to meeting the characters again after a reading session.

What do you value most about your tutoring times with your student?

I grew up with very little educational resources since my parents didn't know English and couldn't help much. I find it so amazing that I have the ability to give back in this way and be an additional support to my student and her family. I wish I could spend a little time every day to go through her questions and translate anything she doesn't understand, but I'm hopeful that the little I provide will have a positive impact for her.