With AVID standing for Advancement Via Individual Determination, the AVID program is already an organization that cannot be overlooked. This is the reason that out of the many programs offered at Morris Hills, the AVID program is most credited for its life changing influence over its students. Not only is the AVID program a college preparatory curriculum but it is structured to encourage students to challenge themselves in multiple areas including taking higher level courses, staying organized and finding study strategies that work for them. But beyond that, AVID provides students with a place to belong and experience personal growth. Yaiza Ferrera expressed that AVID is “a program that gives you a sense of belonging, motivates you to be a high achiever in class, and allows you to explore your options when it comes to picking a college.”

The impact of this program is so overwhelming, that year after year, AVID seniors volunteer to tutor younger students within the program. This year seniors Carli Haigh, Nicole Rivera, AJ Jimenez, Yaiza Ferrera, and Angela Otero all volunteered for this leadership role. Due to the influence of the program, all of these seniors chose to become tutors to give back to AVID, with Angela saying that she “became an AVID tutor to give back to the program that has done so much for her in the past 4 years”. In addition to this, Yaiza specifically chose to become a tutor as she recalls the impact three AVID tutors had on her during her freshman year, “I vividly remember looking up to them since not only were they inspirational AVID students, but they were also seniors I aspired to be like.” This aspiration is what AVID tutors aim to capture every year through their role.

Talking about roles, AVID tutors act as assistant teachers, helping facilitate classroom activities and guiding students when necessary. Tutors make mini lessons, plan team building activities, and run study groups. These study groups are called tutorial groups, which are used to ensure that students are participating in the discussion and comprehending the given material. In addition, tutors grade binder checks in order to make sure students are staying organized and successful in their classes. According to Yaiza the best part of the role is, “contributing to their AVID experience and watching them grow as students. Although it’s still early in the year, I’ve seen these students learn and apply the information they’ve learned.” Although this growth is very rewarding, tutors also gain confidence in working with others, as Angela points out, “tutoring is strengthening my communication and leadership skills by being co-teachers.”

But, these students didn’t get here overnight, their journey through AVID has taken hard work and dedication. Their ability to persevere through challenges has been led by the reason they joined the program in the first place. Both Angela and Yaiza felt the program was helpful to “gain the educational guidance they didn’t have at home.” Angela also expresses her gratitude for those who, “believed in her, and her potential, before she fully did.” Both of these girls express their overall experience in the program as “spectacular” and being “worth it”. According to them, the AVID program created a close knit community between students who were “going through the same things”, bringing light and joy into the classroom everyday. Of course, this community could not have been fostered without Mr. Mein who serves as an AVID teacher and stood with these students for all four years of high school. Angela described his attitude to teaching as “vibrant” and “motivational”, which is demonstrated through the memorable experiences the program offers to students. With this being said, both Angela and Yaiza are the first to apply to four year universities/colleges in their families, which they fully attribute to the role AVID has played in their lives.

For future students in AVID, Yaiza feels it is important “to not take for granted the things you have in the program…even the little things like having a safe environment due to knowing your peers for 4 years is something that many people at Morris Hills don’t have!” Specifically toward students interested in becoming AVID tutors, she explains the importance of being consistent and staying determined while never underestimating the impact you can have on others. Angela adds to this overall sentiment by advising those who are going through the program that it is “all worth it…While some things may be tedious to do, it all has a purpose.” She reminds AVID students to “keep going and maintain routines” which she says “will help you be a better student overall”.

Although these amazing AVID seniors are graduating this year, they are “eternally grateful” for all the wonderful connections they have made through the program, and the good news is that it doesn’t end with them. Next year, more AVID tutors will be chosen and the cycle of inspiration continues, creating a truly unique family within the MH community and allowing every student to have a journey of a lifetime.