Meet Molly & Brenda

Published July 12, 2019 on Educational Justice's blog

Two years ago, fifth-grader Brenda struggled through almost every academic course she took.

“Before I started tutoring I didn’t really get to school that much,” Brenda explained. “I moved from house-to-house between my mom and my grandparents. I had a lot going on that distracted me from school.”

At the same time, Molly, a 9th grade student at Louisville Collegiate School, was searching for a way to make a difference in her community. After hearing about the EJ Activists program, she immediately signed up. In the fall of 2016, Brenda chose Molly to be her tutor.

Fast-forward to today, Brenda is excited for tutoring every week. The main reason?

“Getting to see one of my best friends,” Brenda said as she hugged Molly. “Whenever I came here at first, I didn’t want to come to tutoring because it took time out of my weekends, but now we’ve become such great friends, like sisters. She’s the older sister that I’ve never had.”

Now in the 7th grade, Brenda balances her advanced 8th grade math class, swim practice, maintaining good grades, and being an active member of the robotics club. Last year, she even made honor roll. However, Molly points out that Brenda isn’t the only one who is benefitting from their tutoring sessions.

“It’s a lot more than just tutoring,” the high school junior said. “She really does feel like a little sister to me. I feel like I can help her in more than just school.”

Tearing up, Molly described what she’ll miss most about their sessions once she graduates.

“I’m going to miss seeing Brenda every week…It’s going to be sad and an adjustment, but I’m also excited to see what she does in high school. We’ll definitely keep in touch.”

Brenda said she plans to become an Activist when she reaches high school.

“I want to be like Molly,” Brenda says. “I want to be a tutor too because it’s helped me so much. Maybe I’ll be able to help someone else.”