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 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
This month we introduce you to Brent Clough who joined Aspire as a volunteer in 2014. A native of Chicago, Brent brings to Aspire a love of education and lifelong volunteerism. Our volunteers come to us with varied backgrounds and careers and Brent is a great example of the special people who serve our students.
PERSONAL LIFE
- Growing up, what did you do for fun, hobbies? Do you have any hobbies now?
Growing up, I was always active in sports, primarily basketball, and enjoyed collecting basketball cards. These days, I stay busy chasing around my two young children (2.5 years and 10 months) and enjoy watching football and smoking meat (pork shoulder, ribs, brisket, etc.) on the weekends.
- How long have you lived in the area?
In 2013, I relocated from Chicago to Dallas for a work rotational program. While I was intending to stay in Dallas for only 6 months, I met my wife shortly after moving here and stayed ever since.
- Did you go to university or college? Field of study?
I attended a small liberal arts college called DePauw University, which is located about an hour outside of Indianapolis, and majored in Economics.
- What were you like as a student?
From a young age, my parents instilled in me the importance of doing well in school. I always enjoyed school growing up, especially classes that I was personally interested in, such as business and math.
VOLUNTEERING
- What has the experience of volunteering at Aspire been like for you?
I have really enjoyed my experience as a volunteer GED math teacher. The impact that Aspire is making on students is very tangible, and it is really fun and fulfilling to be a small part of it.
I was always involved in some form of volunteering my entire life. Since joining LIFT in 2014, I have focused my efforts solely on adult education. I would love to be more involved in both Aspire and other organizations but have limited time these days due to work and family obligations.
- What motivated you to volunteer? / What sparked your interest in volunteering at Aspire?
In 2013, I attended LIFT’s Toast to Literacy as a representative from Wells Fargo. The stories that were told at the event and the clear impact that LIFT was making on the community really made an impression on me. Shortly following the event, I decided to start volunteering.
- Is there something that you have learned from volunteering at Aspire that possibly stands out?
I have been most impacted by learning about the severity of the education disparity in our community. Education in many ways separates the “haves” from the “have nots” and is so essential in opening higher-paying job opportunities for students, or even allowing students to help their children with homework.
- What do you enjoy most about your classes?
My favorite moments are when “light bulbs” go off and a concept truly clicks with the students. I hope to help students achieve their goals, whether it be to further their education or to go all the way to get their GED/HSE.
- What makes you the proudest of your students?
The dedication to bettering themselves despite personal challenges that many students face, whether due to family obligations (children at home, caring for elderly family members, etc), working multiple jobs, or learning in a second language.
- What do you hope for your students?
GED/HSE math is a tough subject for almost every student, and it really takes dedication to be successful. I hope that my students will continue to be resilient and push through.
We are grateful to Brent 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 »
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Important Dates
• 01-27-2022
Final day of spring
registration
• 02-03-2022 & 02-05-2022
Book pick-up
• 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.
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