“It makes the job more manageable for us, which I think helps prevent teachers from quitting teaching AVID,” Marine Biology and AVID teacher Erika Shepard said.
Alumni tutors are the latest addition to M-A’s AVID program, helping teachers grade in addition to supporting and giving advice to students. Specifically, they focus on achieving the necessary steps to attend a four-year college. Shepard recruits former M-A students willing to guide students through tutorial request forms, binder checks, and their path to college.
For Maria Maldonado ’22, now a biology major with a concentration in physiology at San Francisco State University, the decision to return to M-A as an AVID tutor came down to giving back. “I love working with kids. Sometimes they don’t believe in themselves, but I see the potential in all of them,” she said.
Similarly, for Aiden Anguiano ’24, who currently plays football at Foothill College, he chose to return to support students. “Honestly, it wasn’t so much about the pay, it was about what I could contribute. I know what AVID students are going through because I was in their shoes,” he said.
Additionally, for Ruth Ramirez ‘24, now studying administration of justice at San Jose City College, the decision to return was influenced by her own challenges. “I struggled a lot, and the people who actually helped me were the tutors. I liked what they did for me, and I just want to do the same thing back,” she said.
For students, the tutors’ impact goes beyond grading their work. “They don’t make you feel dumb, they understand you. I can ask them about college, jobs, finances—things that teachers may not always cover,” senior Zoe Ortega said.
Junior Edgar Moreno Serrato, while initially skeptical of the tutors, has come to appreciate their support. “At first, it was awkward because I didn’t really know how to talk to them. Now, during [tutorials], they’re the ones moving the conversation forward,” he said. “They make sure nobody gets stuck, and their feedback is actually useful because they’ve already been through the classes we’re taking.”
Junior Jorge Rochin agreed, especially during days when the AVID teachers are absent. “Substitutes don’t really know what to do with AVID, so the tutors organize the class, they help keep everything on track, they know our names, they talk to us like people, and that makes it easier to actually ask for help,” he said.
According to AVID and Biology teacher Lauren Lesyna, many schools don’t have the resources to hire tutors, making M-A’s AVID program stand out. “We’re lucky to have them,” she said.
Shepard emphasized that the tutors are role models that students need. She explained that they handle everything from grading tutorial request forms to making phone calls and bridging the gap for bilingual families. “Their presence helps sustain the AVID program at M-A,” she added.
The tutors also offer life advice to the students. “Procrastination will be your biggest enemy. Time management is everything,” Anguiano said.
Ramirez encouraged students to use the resources available. “Take advantage of the resources you have around you; the help is there if you use it,” she said.
“I’m grateful that they’re there for us,” Ortega said.
“They really help tutorials move forward, without them, it wouldn’t work the same,” Serrato added.
