*Student’s name was changed due to privacy.
“Watching the kids and seeing the light in their eyes when
I come through makes me so happy. I like being that light for them,” says Paul Hewitt, a UNT social work student. Paul joined the military after high school, seeking something different from his peers. He served in the army for eight years and continues to serve today in the reserves. When Paul left active duty, he wanted to go back to school, but he had no idea what career he wanted to pursue. While searching for his career path, Paul was introduced to a social worker at the VA who helps soldiers transition from military life to civilian life. Upon meeting them, something clicked for Paul, who expressed, “I knew I always wanted to help people,” and for him, this was the perfect fit. Paul decided to pursue a degree in social work at the University of North Texas.
Last semester, through one of his college courses, Paul had the opportunity to volunteer with CISNT at Corinth Elementary. He was apprehensive to meet his student, as he did not have much experience working with kids. Paul was matched with Justin, a first grader, who was struggling to complete his schoolwork. Paul met with Justin weekly, working together on Justin’s assignments, and identifying topics that still challenged him so that they could focus on them further. Paul increased Justin’s motivation for learning and encouraged him to take notes in class, ask questions, and attend tutoring sessions. With Paul’s support and encouragement, Justin’s grades began to improve, and the two even got to enjoy fun activities together, like paper mache and painting.
Justin’s favorite moment with Paul, though, was a special Veterans Day Parade at school. When Paul came to get Justin from his class for their usual mentoring time, he had a special surprise for Justin – he was wearing his military uniform. Together, they went outside for the parade, where students were dressed up in red, white, and blue to celebrate parents and volunteers who are veterans. Paul and Justin stood together, and Paul even let Justin wear his cap. Bailey Skinner, CISNT Site Coordinator at Corinth Elementary, said that Justin felt like a celebrity with Paul’s cap as everyone applauded Paul and the other veterans.
Paul shared that this experience has helped him learn how to interact with kids and has even opened him up to the possibility of working with children in the future. Paul helped Justin learn how to balance work and play and was widely appreciated by CISNT and school staff for the support that he provided to Justin. Ms. Skinner says, “I appreciate Mr. Hewitt for his willingness to volunteer, since there are not many male mentors for younger students. He has been a positive role model for Justin and his community.”
Despite his short time volunteering with CISNT, Paul made a great impact with Justin, and demonstrated how a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult can set a child on a path for success. We are grateful for Paul and wish him the best as he continues pursuing his degree in social work!
If you would like to learn more about how you too can make an impact in a child’s life, check out our website at cisnt.org/volunteer, or reach out to volunteer@cisnt.org.
