Along with the start of his senior year, Caleb Zimmerman also started a new job at Gideon Math & Reading.

“[I] tutor kids of all ages, mostly kindergarten through middle school, in math or reading/language,” Zimmerman said.

Gideon Math & Reading began to create a center where children could receive affordable and quality help in math and reading.

“What’s most difficult is keeping the younger students focused as well as thinking of new ways to look at something so kids who struggle with something you or I understand instantly can get it too,” Zimmerman said.

Though it can be difficult at times, he said that the end results make it worthwhile.

“A large portion of our students have dyslexia or other special accommodations they need met or special ways they need to be taught when being tutored,” Zimmerman said. “Working with them is tough but seeing them start to get stuff they had difficulty with is totally worth it.”

Working with the kids hasn’t influenced his future plans, but he said it has changed his perspective of tutors and teachers.

“It’s definitely given me a new appreciation for tutors and teachers as well as respect for special needs kids who really want to learn,” Zimmerman said. “Also, I’m more appreciative of being helped as well as more likely to help others now, especially when it comes to needing help in school.”

All in all, Zimmerman said the whole experience is worth it.

“Plus, just seeing kids finally understand something, special needs or not, is a wonderful thing,” he said.