Meet Richard Tracy Dobson, a senior Criminology Major here at CSU. Richard participated in our Office of Civic Engagement Viking Corps program this year at the Rice Branch of the Cleveland Public Library and the Broadway Boys and Girls Club, where he logged 58 service hours and engaged with 106 community members. Take a look below to learn more about Richard's experience in the program!
Name: Richard Tracy Dobson
Major: Criminology
Class Standing: Senior
How long have you worked for the Viking Corps or America Reads program?
I began my tutoring service in January of 2020.
After being part of Viking Corps or America Reads, what do you feel you have you been able to learn about the community or people you serve?
The need for good role models in the community, especially, in the black community. The children I was blessed to encounter just need positive reinforcement, and more importantly, good energy to engage with.
What benefits do you feel you gained from being part of the Viking Corps or America Reads program and/or getting to work with the program's staff?
Getting to see the vision I had so long ago, of becoming an educator come true was the most rewarding experience of the program. I gained an awareness of my effectiveness within the community simply by being in these young children's presence. You often hear of the joy one experiences when being selfless but working and communicating alongside others who have that same passion is amazing. Anita and Gabi where wonderful to work with, and I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with them on several occasions. Their empathy, along with their passion to place individuals where children need the most attention is commendable.
What rewarding or special experiences have you had being a tutor or student worker in a non-tutoring position?
As a student worker in a tutoring position, the most rewarding experience was during my first week at the Rice Branch Library. After a day of challenging tutoring sessions, while working with my final student, I realized how humbling and meaningful a tutoring position is. After providing instruction to this young lady, she was able to complete her work with minimal help, which gave me a sense of purpose. I was more elated that she completed her task than she was. I knew this was an example of a team effort and it made me realize that I wanted to have this interaction with all of the K-8 students I came in contact with while tutoring.
If you are a CSU student and would like to have a meaningful experiential learning experience in Viking Corps or CPL America Reads please contact Anita Ruf-Young at a.rufyoung@csuohio.edu for information about these programs. Click here to view more Viking Corps and America Reads students profiles.