Jemima is an exhibition designer who wasn’t sure how tutoring would fit in her busy schedule.
Find out why she thinks it’s worth making time for.
Jemima is one of Weave’s wonderful volunteers on the Tutoring Program. She also has a busy life and design career.
“I’m an exhibition designer at the Powerhouse Museum,” she explains. “I work with curators and lots of other team members to develop and build exhibitions. My role is to interpret the curator’s story within a space and create an experience.”
Tutoring is something Jemima wanted to do for a long time, but wasn’t sure if she could make the commitment.
“I thought about it for a few years,” she recalls. “I would often go onto the website and check it out. I really wanted to do it but I had a few projects going on that were too demanding.”
Then, with the pressure of COVID-19 bringing her priorities into focus, Jemima decided it was time.
– Jemima says tutoring sessions are about so much more than helping with homework
“At first I was a bit worried about the commitment being weekly, but it’s so easy to put that time aside, and I have found it actually grounds you and your week.
“I think one of the biggest things for me was that I just wanted to have that reminder that there’s bigger things in life than your work schedule or that every day routine. Opening that window into other peoples experiences is very rewarding.”
Since making the decision to volunteer, Jemima hasn’t looked back.
“I just love it,” she says. “It’s a little piece of joy every week, just seeing my student, her brother, and their dad. Just having a little moment with the family is really nice.”
Tutoring has also been an opportunity to revisit some of the things Jemima learnt in school herself.
“I didn’t realise how long it had been since I’d done maths and spelling and homework,” she laughs. “And I actually enjoy doing it now…I’m brushing up on my maths and spelling. It’s quite hard!”
But their weekly tutoring sessions have become about so much more than just helping with homework — it has become a genuine friendship.
“My student gave me a little card for Christmas,” Jemima recalls. “I was so proud to get that card, I was showing all my friends. They’re such lovely kids, they’re very heartfelt, honest and genuine.”
“I’m really speaking from the bottom of my heart, it really does give me so much joy when I see my student. It’s so rewarding for me and I enjoy every moment of it.”