Natalie Pirrone Story
Before volunteering with Refugee Resources, I was blind to the vast number of refugees we have in our own city. Reading Circle has opened by eyes to not only the number, but to multiple different cultures and relationships. Vickery Meadow is right in our backyard yet, so few people know about the many families here that are working so diligently to adapt to a completely different life here in America, leaving behind most of what they ever knew. Refugee Resources uses a unique connecting point to allow for relationships to be built through reading. As mentors in the reading program, it is amazing to have the opportunity to walk alongside a child of a refugee family, empowering them to learn and getting the chance to see the amazing progress they make as they adjust to a completely different world than what they may have been used to. Mentors and mentees are not only provided with books to read together every week, expanding the mental knowledge of the readers, but are also given the opportunity for something even bigger: an impactful relationship and time. Time to grow together, laugh together, and learn together.
Quite honestly, before becoming a reading mentor at Refugee Resources, I was not a huge fan of reading. I loved meeting new people and forming new relationships but would not have thought of using education as a tool to build a relationship. But, wow, was I wrong. For the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to get to read with Rakajack every Thursday night. Which as of late has been conducted via FaceTime due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, which has been very interesting and a whole new definition of fun. Each week, I get filled in on all things Pokémon, Peppa Pig, and Mario Kart; I have learned more about these things than I ever thought I would know. I have also learned how to always view life with a “glass half-full” mindset and how powerful a smile is to someone else. Rakajack is a non-stop giggler; he finds nearly everything funny and it brings him joy to make other people laugh, too. He loves learning new and interesting science facts on YouTube and sharing each one with me – usually my mind is just as blown as his is. He has taught me to never take things too seriously and that joy can be found in any circumstance – even science! Rakajack’s world is filled with huge Lego creations, every kind of dinosaur, and countless crafty creations – and it is so much fun to be a part of!
In addition to reading together, Rakajack and I have the opportunity every week to talk about his culture, his family, his favorite traditional foods, and his favorite memories of life before he moved here. I am fascinated and have learned so much about the Burmese culture. He has exceled in his reading and moved up multiple levels. In fact, he is now reading above his grade level! He is extremely determined and truly loves reading and learning. I could not be more proud. It is his own hard work and diligence that has truly led him here and I am so honored to have a front-row seat to it.
The last thing I will leave you with is an infamous Rakajack quote:
“I now only drink one soda a day because they actually aren’t healthy. Did you know that? I heard it on insideedition.com – my favorite news site.”