One of our greatest joys is seeing the people who work with us meet their goals and follow their dreams! We are so excited to share the news our former Americorps member Victor Ruiz has been accepted as a PhD student at the University of Arkansas this fall where he will be studying mathematics!
During his term as an Americorps tutor, Victor helped many students meet their goals, especially math students! Multiple people were able to pass the GED thanks to Victor’s help! You may also remember that Victor once taught a bilingual class on crochet, one of his favorite hobbies.
A graduate of Danville High, Victor is also a member of the National Guard, an ATU student, and a member of LULAC. (League of Latin American Citizens). After finishing his Americorps service with us, Victor continued with his education at ATU and began his student teaching at Dardanelle High School where he currently teaches math classes and helps students in 9th-12th grades, including volunteering in an afterschool program for English language learners. He was hired on at the Dardanelle Library where he founded the library’s first bilingual book club! You can often find him working in the afternoons after his classes at the high school.
“I had observed Victor many times in his role as a tutor,” explains library manager, Wendy Wells. “He is kind and never flustered. He is patient and doesn’t talk down to folks, but meets them where they are.” Victor says one of the most valuable things he learned as an Americorps member and a tutor is that it doesn’t hurt to try new things. “I feel my time with Americorps helped me to learn patience,” he adds.
Victor’s long term plans include completing his PhD and becoming a math educator. We are so grateful for your service with us, Victor! Thank you for your brilliance, kindness, and hard work in this community! Victor will graduate this May and will still be working at the library until he moves away this summer. If you get a chance, tell him congratulations!