What motivates anyone to become involved as a volunteer for Adult Education? For Matthew Ngyuen, the answer is simple. People.
“There is no other thing in the world that is more fascinating, more beautiful, and more mysterious than the human mind and body.”, Matthew said, “When there is a chance to explore those around me, that is my sole motivator. I am a firm believer in the goodness and potential within us all, and it’s our job to bring out this light in each other.”
Back home in Denver, Colorado, Matthew spent much of his time doing service for the homeless; leading scrabble each Sunday for senior citizens at Libby Bortz Nursing home, and worked at Denver Neurological Research Laboratory as well as the emergency department at Porter Hospital.
New to South Bend this past August, he aimed to immerse himself in the culture of the Fighting Irish as he entered his freshman year. A large part of Notre Dame legacy is the Catholic tradition of volunteering your services to better the world around you. Matthew has reached far in the possibilities offered to him. In addition to helping with the Skill Builders class at SJCPL, Matthew works at a psychopathology lab and is on the Men’s Rowing Team.
He received an email from the Director of Neuroscience at Notre Dame with a service opportunity that dealt with Adult Education. Eager to get involved with as many things as possible, Matthew considers his work with Adult Education to be a unique opportunity.
“The population that Adult Education deals with has their own special and unique traits and talents. Literacy is a gift that, unfortunately, isn’t as universal as it may seem.” He said, “Being able to help those around me achieve their own goals on their own paths is an extremely humbling experience.”
Matthew is extremely proud of the students that he works with. He notes their tenacity and attitude as exceptional. One student in particular stands out.
“I am extremely proud of some of the students I’ve tutored, especially one named Kimba. I’ve never met someone who is so motivated, and it is inspiring to me.”, Matthew said. “Day in day out, she never fails to attend class and is always ready to learn even after a long day of work and taking care of her kids. This motivation and determination is something rare.”
Adult Education is an extremely unique platform to help the South Bend community. With increased involvement from Notre Dame students, like Matthew, we can build an even stronger community.
Every individual is on their own path to knowledge and all should feel validated in their journey. Mr. Nguyen feels that SBCSC Adult Education has an important message that it sends to its’ students, regarding their path. Quite simply- ‘we are here to support you’.
