Jobs. Many high schoolers have them; but they are often something that is taken for granted. For Graham Christopherson, senior at Albert Lea High School, his job has done something more than bring in the cash, it has helped him make plans for the future. He is a Homework Helper.
“I love being a tutor,” Christopherson said. “It really opened my eyes to being a teacher.”
Christopherson has been apart of the homework helper program for two years. This year he goes to southwest every day after school except Friday, and works the occasional morning at the high school. As a homework helper, Christopherson’s job is just that – to help someone in need with their homework.
“This is the best job I could ever have,” said Christopherson. “I’m so blessed to do something I enjoy.”
On an average day, Christopherson sees around ten to thirteen kids, but usually only three need help.
“It’s kinda tough not to give them the answers, “ Christopherson admitted. “If it’s a math problem we’ll walk through it step by step. For other subjects, I’ll find the section the answer is in and direct them there. If I just gave them the answer they wouldn’t be getting anything out of it.”
This year, Christopherson is the only returning homework helper. In fact, last year he was the only Junior to be hired.
“I saw the ad on The Growl,” Chirstopherson said. “I didn’t like my current job so I was looking for a new one. I didn’t expect to get it – I was really lucky.”
Last year he spent most of his time helping at Halverson Elementary School.
“The teacher was really nice and the kids needed my help a lot more – plus I snack everyday. That was pretty cool.”
Obviously, communication and teaching skills go hand in hand for this job. For Chirstopherson, these are the easy parts, but like any job, there are some things that come easy and other things that do not. Communication can be a little rocky at the start.
“I think that sometimes they can be intimidated, but once they get to know me they realize I’m not really an intimidating figure.”
His experiences as homework helper have also taught him the value of patience.
“It’s a lot of fun to be with the kids – but it definitely taught me to be patient when they don’t get it,” said Christopherson.
The homework helper program has been in place for two years now. Some improvements new to this year include the addition of an after school coordinator at each building that help students and homework helpers communicate and connect better. Judy Knutson, integration grant coordinator for ALHS, sees hope for the future of the program.
“Homework Helpers are another support system for students – someone to help them understand the homework and encourage them to do it,” said Knutson. “They can be good role models about getting their work done and becoming leaders themselves.”
Christopherson plans on attending college at Concordia in St. Paul or MN State Mankato for a degree in either English Education or Business.
“Besides improving my own grades – it has really helped with my Career Choice.” Christopherson said. “My mom is a teacher so I always had the idea. Being a Homework Helper just confirmed it”