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Student with dyslexia, big heart tutors younger Cedar Creek schoolmate
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
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By Will Pafford, Staff Writer
The best tutors are often people who understand the struggles of the student firsthand and how to overcome them.
This is certainly the case for Ashley Palma-Balzen.
Ashley is a fifth-grader at Cedar Creek Elementary who tutors Dylan York, a third-grader at the school.
Both students struggle with dyslexia.
Ashley and Dylan meet Tuesdays and Thursdays after school at Cedar Creek Elementary to read together and work on homework.
They began the after-school sessions a little before Christmas.
Lori Balzen, Ashley’s stepmother, said Ashley had been looking for someone to tutor.
When she met Sharon Fleming, Dylan’s mother, at an Eanes dyslexia awareness meeting, she suggested the idea and Fleming agreed.
Ashley was happy to help.
“I like little kids,” she said. “I think they’re fun.”
Dylan and Ashley usually read together for about 15 minutes, then Dylan works on homework from other classes.
Dylan said he appreciates the sessions, and that working with a fellow student is definitely easier.
Fleming said the tutoring helps Dylan get his homework out of the way and relieves the pressure for her and her husband to assist him.
Working with his parents can take a long time and is sometimes stressful, but reading with Ashley is more fun, partly because they can read at similar paces without rushing each other, Dylan said.
Ashley benefits from the tutoring time as well.
Balzen said Ashley is proud to be tutoring, and Ashley works harder to be a good role model.
“She’s more motivated to make better grades than she has in the past,” Balzen said.
That is sooo sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Way to go Ashley!! Keep up the good work!
Way to go Ashley! What a wonderful way to help someone else. You have my admiration!
I’m so proud of you, Ashley! You have taken your learning to the next level. If you can “teach it” then I know you LEARNED IT!
You still ROCK…even though you are a FORMER CCE student and now a COUGAR…rrrrrhhhh!
Ashley, the education system needs more students willing to help out – just like you! We are so proud of you.
Ashley, we are so very proud of you! What you took on this year was incredible. I remember when we first started tossing the idea around together, how excited you were…starting lists of what you wanted to do, meeting with your former reading teacher, Ms. Britt to get her thoughts, etc. I loved your enthusiasm and desire to do good things for someone else, a younger child. Way to go!!! Love you, Marmy & Dad
Ashley you are a great girl! It has been such a pleasure teaching you this year, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things you will do! You are off to a great start!
Ashley,
Although Dylan has been working with his dyslexia for a few years now, he has never been as comfortable with this challenge as he is now. I attribute that to you setting such a positive example for him. He truly looks up to you as an inspiration. Thank you for the generosity of your time and energy to help him. You’re giving forward and I hope it comes back to you ten-fold! Dylan’s mom
We’re proud of you Ashley. Keep up the good work! Love, Sean Toni Anna & Robin
We are so proud of you and want to send you our
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Keep up the good work.
We love you,
Bill and Linda
Ashley:
I’m proud of you helping others, but it doesn’t surprise me. You’ve always had such a caring heart
Evelina, aka Meredith’s mom
Why to go Ashley! I am so proud of you!
You have taken charge! If you are doing this in the 6th grade, look out, the sky is your limit. I am proud of you, this shows you are responsible, dedicated, and a caring young lady. I am fortunate to have worked with you and known you.
Go For It!
Ash you’re an inspiration to all! It’s little things like this that make a difference in our world! Keep up the good work.
Ashley, you are an outstanding volunteer! I’m so proud to see you tutoring someone who needs help. I’m sure Dylan looks up to you. I bet one day he’ll even tutor someone too. I bet you’ve figured out that when you teach someone else you learn as well! Isn’t that cool! YOU MAKE ME PROUD TO BE YOUR AUNT! Way to go, Ashley!
Ashley,
We are very proud of you. I know that you have been an inspiration to Dylan and while helping him you are helping yourself. Mike and I love you very much. Grandma
Ashley,
I am so proud of you. Even when I taught you in second grade, I knew you were a sweet and caring girl. What a gift to be able to help someone else! It is through children like you and Dylan that others with dyslexia will begin to experience the joy of being successful readers. As a teacher, I’ve worked with and for dyslexic students for over twenty-five years, but I do believe that those of you who actually have grown up and experienced dyslexia will be the ones who truly make a difference for others. Good luck to you and Dylan. You are truly remarkable…and you make me extremely proud.
Love you, Mrs. Baker
Ashley,
What a wonderful thing you are doing for younger students. You have such a good heart – we are so lucky to have you here at Hill Country, see you next year!
Mrs. Haneman
Ashley,
How proud I am of you and you must be of yourself to see how your efforts are making a difference! To take the time to help someone in need shows what a truly understanding and caring young lady you are. It really helps that you know just how he feels and can share your expertise with him.
Congrats on your accomplishments. May your dedication take you as far as you want to go! I wish you all the best!
hay im in 6th grade goin in 7th this year