Student Reflection
Over the past two years, I’ve proudly participated in The Smith Family’s ‘Student 2 Student’ Reading Challenge, a program where older students support younger peers with reading over 18 weekly sessions. I’ve completed it twice now, each time paired with a different boy who faced significant challenges with fluency and understanding.
Going into it, I thought I understood what helping someone read would involve, but I was surprised by how complex and personal the experience turned out to be. What caught me off guard the most was how much confidence impacts a student’s willingness to even try. Sometimes, the hardest part wasn’t reading the words, it was helping them believe they could.
I spent time before each session planning creative, engaging activities that would turn reading into something fun and approachable.
What surprised me most was how deeply I connected with the process. I learned that small shifts, like asking a thoughtful question or choosing a book they related to, could make a huge impact. I also realised how much patience and flexibility this kind of support requires. There were days when progress felt slow, or when a student had a tough day and didn’t want to read. In those moments, I had to adapt, keep calm, and try a new angle. That taught me a lot, not just about teaching, but about empathy and emotional intelligence.
By the end of each round, I saw real change not only in their reading abilities, but in their self-esteem. They volunteered to read. They began to believe in themselves. And seeing that transformation reminded me why literacy matters so much. It’s not just about decoding words, it’s about unlocking confidence, independence, and opportunity.
This experience helped me grow as a leader and a communicator, but also as a person. I’ve learned to be patient, encouraging, and open-minded. I’ve seen firsthand how showing up for someone can change the direction of their journey. I’m proud of the difference I made, and even prouder of the growth I witnessed in them. Being part of this challenge has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done in school, and I can’t wait to take part again this year, with even more experience, more energy and more ideas.
Sebastian Romaldi
Year 9 (Woodcock House)
