by Isaiah Francis
The importance of developing authentic relationships with students during a pandemic. Symposium Theme: Building authentic relationships in this unique time.
This project was part of Abbie Weiner’s course, COMM 1041: Interpersonal Communication. Students in this course learn the theories and principles of interpersonal communication while engaging in service-learning with local after-school programs, job training programs, and other service organizations.
Please be sure to cast your vote for the Symposium for Community Engaged Scholarship Audience Choice Award.
You are welcome to post comments and questions below.
That is such an important lesson to take from this whole virtual experience. I am a counseling student and this has been the whole focus of my program as we are now meeting with clients and groups as well as our classes and professors virtually. Being able to recognize that the person on the other end of the screen is experiencing a similar set of circumstances to us is the most important step of building a relationship. Always assume that everyone you meet is doing their best, even if their best looks different from your best.
Wonderful insight, Isaiah! I love how you learned that students are so much more than just their studies--they are human beings first and then students, not the other way around. I appreciated your reflections on how your experience also helped you grow personally and academically as well. Every good partnership is built on a foundation of authenticity, trust, and mutually-beneficial learning. As the program manager for engageDC, I help GW students work long-term with LSF if they are interested in continuing to tutor outside of the classroom. I would love if you would consider applying to join the engageDC LSF team. We have both FWS and non-FWS positions. If you are interested in continuing serving and make an impact in the Spring, consider joining engageDC. http://gwserves.givepulse.com/survey/take/q2Fq29QDdzyuZLQGvrBO
Wonderful job once again and have a great break!
Gret project Isaiah! im glad you were able to feel more comfortable when tutoring, I too, tutor and I feel like people tend to forgot that sometimes when we start tutoring we become a little shy and must feel comfortable with our surroundings first, and making sure we are actually providing change.