How do you measure the importance of a volunteer tutor?

Is it the hours devoted to tutoring? Is it the number of people who have been helped? Is it the length of time involved in the commitment? Does it sometimes apply to a special relationship between a volunteer and a student?

One special relationship which has developed over the years is the one between Carol Dunbar and Jeremy Marsh.

Dunbar, a transplant from Michigan to Pinehurst, was looking to volunteer in some capacity. Referred by a friend to Academy Heights Elementary School, she was assigned to tutor a boy in third grade. That was January 1999.

What has developed over the years is a friendship that has spanned elementary school, middle school and high school. During that time, Dunbar met March on a regular basis, usually four hours a week. She assisted him in learning and understanding reading and English, more specifically, phonics, dictionary skills, grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension. Marsh said that with her help, his reading and English skills have improved and, more importantly, so has his self-confidence.

After he graduated from Pinecrest High School, Marsh applied to Sandhills Community College. Since the start of his freshman year, he has, once again, called upon Dunbar to tutor him in some of his subjects. They can be found with their heads together several hours a week at the college, and Marsh is reaping the rewards of their efforts. He has adjusted to college life on campus and eagerly awaits his classes and assignments.

When asked why she is so committed to Marsh, Dunbar said after first meeting him 10 years ago, "he touched my heart in a special way because I could see he had a strong desire to learn, and I decided then to make it my goal to assist him in being successful for as long as he wanted me."

Marsh's side is also positive. He said that he would not have been as successful without her help.

"I'm a better student today because of what Mrs. Dunbar has done for me," he said.

Since 1999, Dunbar has devoted more than 1,400 hours to Marsh's educational development. Was it worth it? Both would agree that it was.

Dunbar is among some 200 volunteers at Sandhills Community College who give their time, energy and support to various programs on the campus. Volunteers can be found in continuing education, in the gardens, in the library, in the Center for Creative Retirement and in the Tutoring Center.

Anyone needing more information on volunteering at Sandhills Community College can contact Nancy S. Heilman, at 246-4138 or email her at heilmann@sandhills.edu.