Notes From Tutorial: Avery Miles

June 2025
Avery Miles 

When I first joined the GO Tutor Corps in Newark, I was looking for a meaningful way to serve, grow, and make a difference. I wasn’t exactly sure what I would find, just that I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. A year later, I’ve gained more than I could’ve imagined: not just new skills, but new relationships, and new insights.

A Day in the Life of a GO Tutor 

As a tutor, I worked closely with students every single day, supporting their academic growth, building their confidence, and trying to make learning feel a little less daunting. I was an English Language Arts (ELA) tutor that worked in one-on-one or small group settings. I collaborated with teachers, analyzed student data, and constantly adapted my approach based on individual needs. But tutoring was only one piece of the puzzle. I also supported classroom routines, helped with after-school programs, and even contributed to school-wide events. Additionally, I was able to help create social media content for the GO Tutor Corps, which was an unexpected but rewarding way to support our mission from a different angle.

What It Taught Me

If I’m being honest, I went into this year thinking I might want to become a teacher. And I’m coming out of it knowing that it’s not the right path for me—and that realization is just as valuable as discovering a passion. What surprised me was how much I fell in love with the education system itself—not just the one-on-one moments with students, but the way schools function (or struggle to). I found myself thinking more about policy, school culture, access to resources, and the systems that shape a student’s experience before they even walk into the classroom. This year helped me realize that I still want to be part of education—just maybe in a way that supports the work from a wider angle. 

Upon starting service, I knew I was going to be doing something good and I would be helping people, but you don’t really understand the importance of what you’re doing until you’re doing it. I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to serve. It is to listen, support, and show up with humility. I’ve become more aware of public education, and more grounded in my own values. I learned that just because a path isn’t for me, it doesn’t mean I don’t have a place in the work. It just means I might belong in a different part of the system.

Student Moments That Stuck with Me

The students are what make your work so worthwhile. That is not to say there won’t be tough days or tough students — that’s just the reality of the work we do. I was blessed to have wonderful relationships with almost all my students and students outside my group. There are so many wonderful moments shared with my students it’s hard to single them out. I loved every moment I got to share with the students outside of our class periods, like lunchtime group hangouts. I really learned to appreciate the small things I shared with my students in the in between times. 

A moment that showed me my students not only noticed me, but cared about me as their tutor and a human was saying my goodbyes to them. I wrote each of them a personal letter and was able to give it to them when telling them I was leaving. During this time, I saw my students get really emotional, which is something I’d never seen from them before. Sharing this moment with them made me really emotional, but also made me realize the impact I did have on them. It felt like a full circle moment and a culmination of everyone’s hard work. 

Building Friendships & Community

One of the most unexpected gifts of this year was the friendships I built with other tutors and school staff. Being part of a cohort meant I had a built-in support system—people to vent with after a tough day, to celebrate small wins with, and to reflect with as the year went on. I was lucky enough to have really close friendships with my roommates, especially Skyler who I lived and worked with. Additionally, I created amazing relationships with other Fellows at my school, as well as teachers. Together, we learned how to navigate the ups and downs of service work. We shared stories, swapped tips, and kept each other grounded. These friendships weren’t just helpful—they were essential. They reminded me that while the work is serious, we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously to make a difference. 

What Comes Next

As I look ahead, I’m taking everything I’ve learned with me. This experience gave me a lens to view the world more critically and look to where I can help. I’ve learned so many transferable skills from my year of service that I will be taking to my next role and beyond. I was able to get the opportunity to work for a school district in Arizona. I will be assisting the Director of Operations and doing all I can to support the school system in Arizona. Without this year of service, I don’t think I would have this opportunity to continue working in education. 

To anyone considering the GO Tutor Corps: this experience is what you make of it. It’s hard work, but it’s meaningful. You will be challenged, but you will also be changed. And if you’re lucky, like I was, you’ll finish the year with more clarity, more connection, and more purpose than when you started.