Andrea Balay
Northern Oklahoma College
Andrea Balay, a Northern Oklahoma College sophomore mathematics major, shares her passion for learning with students of all ages. Andrea's involvement began in 2013 as a substitute teacher in Ringwood, Oklahoma, and continued as an AmeriCorps volunteer at the elementary school where she helped improve students' reading and math skills, assisting teachers, and conducting summer school for kindergarten-4th grade. Andrea continues offering tutoring services for grade school math, science and reading, as well as tutoring high school students in algebra and trigonometry. Andrea tutors in the NOC math lab and works for the math division assisting NOC faculty members with math boot camp-a fast-track remedial course. Since 2014, Andrea has compiled over 100 hours of free tutoring by volunteering two days per week at the Community Development Support Association in Enid. At CDSA, Andrea tutors math and physics to low-income, unemployed students enrolled in the YouthBuild program. This busy mother of four still finds time to support and encourage student success in multiple areas. Andrea provides 24-hour a day math support to NOC students as well as coordinates on- and off-campus study groups. In addition, Andrea is an active volunteer at her church and in her community.
Personal Statement
At NOC, I work in the tutor lab providing math support and offering encouragement to the discouraged. Being a witness to the victories that accompany a student's hard work and persistence is priceless! All of my tutoring experiences have helped me to grow in the knowledge and diversity that is needed to become a quality teacher. One of my favorite quotes comes from Carlos Santana who said, "There is no greater reward than working from your heart, and making a difference in the world." Volunteering has blessed me with seeing the difference it makes when someone reaches out to help.
