VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

This month we introduce you to Katie Maiers who joined Aspire as a volunteer in 2020. Our volunteers come to us with varied backgrounds and careers and Katie is a great example of the special people who serve our students.

PERSONAL LIFE

• What is your background? Family growing up. Where are you from? Have you lived in different cities?

I was born in Yuma, Arizona before my family eventually moved to Boise, Idaho, Amarillo, TX, and then Austin. I came to Dallas for college in 2012 and have been here ever since – it’s now officially home since I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else.

• Growing up, what did you do for fun, hobbies? Do you have any hobbies now?

Growing up, I was always passionate about music, reading, and traveling. I played piano, guitar, and percussion throughout my school years, and I majored in French which allowed me to do some traveling abroad during my college years. Nowadays, I still try to keep my French as sharp as I can. When I’m not working as a full-time brand strategist, I enjoy reading, doing puzzles, running, and cooking with my fiancé.

• Did you go to university or college? Field of study? What were you like as a student?

I went to SMU and studied advertising and French. I loved my time as a student. I always enjoyed going to class and soaking up the lectures, and I was eager to learn new things and meet new people.  I loved to lead groups on community service trips across the country via an organization called Alternative Breaks and I was a tour guide during my time at SMU.

• What was your first job?

Still one of my favorite jobs! I worked at an ice cream shop in Austin called Maggie Moo’s where I mastered scooping rock-hard ice cream and whipping up some wild ice cream combinations. My favorite: chocolate ice cream, peanut butter, Oreos, and gummy bears. I also loved cinnamon ice cream with coconut flakes and Teddy Grahams.

• Other jobs, current or past?

In addition to scooping ice cream, I briefly taught at a percussion camp before holding multiple jobs in college – I was a tour guide on campus, and I tutored students in English, French, and advertising. I also interned at a few advertising agencies before joining The Richards Group where I currently work.

VOLUNTEERING

• When did you begin volunteering with Aspire (LIFT or ABERG)? What has the experience been like for you?

I joined in Fall 2020.  It’s been such a joy – the experience has been incredibly rewarding in large part to the organization, its leaders, and of course – the students. The students are absolutely what makes the experience as wonderful as it is. I’m always inspired and motivated by the students’ drive and determination. They make me a better person, leader, communicator, and friend, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help them reach their goals.

• What motivated you to volunteer? / What sparked your interest in volunteering at Aspire?

I loved tutoring in college, and I’ve always been passionate about reading, so dedicating my time to those two interests was always on my wish list, but I truly didn’t turn the idea into action until COVID turned the world upside down. I felt like I was constantly stuck at home, and my desire to volunteer was exacerbated by a growing need to do something to help others amidst the craziness of 2020. I was hungry to interact with others and get out of my bubble.

• What do you hope to accomplish by volunteering at Aspire??

My goals are the same as the students’: I hear them talk about their desire to do something that they’ve always wanted to do and put their dream into action, and my goal is to help guide them in their journey. I’m also passionate about reading and am a firm believer that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my love for reading, and I hope to share that love with the students.

• How has online teaching changed your experience with the students, if any?

My experience with Aspire has solely been virtual. It’s been a challenge since face-to-face interactions and nonverbal communication are critical, but the students are handling it like pros. Seeing them jump onto Zoom right after finishing a shift never ceases to inspire me: the students have a million things going in their lives, but online courses make it a little easier for them to fit schoolwork into their busy schedule.

• What do you enjoy most about your classes?

Hearing students talk about their goals and why they’re here – I love hearing them explain their dream job, talk about the people who are encouraging them to go to class, and share their favorite books growing up or what they’re hoping to read by the end of the semester. I also love witnessing their excitement when we finish a lesson, especially after they’ve realized that something that they once thought was difficult and taunting (annotation, for example) is much easier (and fun) than they expected.

• Any final thoughts?

We (teachers and students) wouldn’t be where they are without the help from folks like Linda, Marie, Cassy, and Brandy – the people who put in countless hours to equip us with everything that we need. We’re so grateful for them!

We are grateful to Katie and the many volunteer teachers who live in and outside North Texas. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Aspire, please contact Cassy Lujan, Volunteer Director, at CassyLujan@AspireToLearn.org.

Learn more »

Important Dates

• 12-24-2021 - 01-02-2022
   Aspire offices closed for the
   holidays

• 12-25-2021
   Christmas Day

• 01-01-2022
   New Year's Day

• 01-10-2022
   Spring registration begins

• 02-07-2022
   Start of spring semester

• 03-31-2022
   Toast to Literacy Auction

• Fall 2022
   Legacy of Literacy Breakfast

Help Aspire serve more students by making a tax-deductible donation today.