I'm Jaya Kapur
If you need help in school and cannot afford a tutor, then look no further. I am passionate about helping young students prepare for the future that face unfair barriers and circumstances.
About Me
As a young girl, I had mostly been excited about change. However, a small part of me was also nervous. Constantly moving to different countries and adapting to new environments was something I had to do repeatedly. As much as I wanted to blend in with the new communities I joined, the older I got, the more I realized the benefits of standing out and shining bright. With each move, I never really blended in. Being the new kid, I automatically stood out. Throughout the many times I moved, I became more comfortable bringing my authentic self with me. Due to the numerous changes in environment as a child, I have grown to embrace change and quickly adapt to new environments. This has inspired me to pursue challenging opportunities and take risks, which has built my confidence.
In the middle of Grade 6, I approached my parents to discuss switching schools and entering the Late French Immersion Program, which would encompass my studies in Grades 7 and 8. This would require me to attend a new school in a neighboring town and have instructions in a new language. My rationale for choosing this program was sound as I wanted to learn a new language. I enjoyed the academic challenge and wanted to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who believed in being placed outside of their comfort zone to mature, stay grounded, and be exposed to new methods of learning. As a result of this change and previous experiences of change in my life, I am not afraid of taking risks or failure.
My sisters
One of my favorite things to do is spend time with my sisters, Ariya and Ila. They are my best friends. We do many fun things and have several ways of bonding and spending time together. Some examples include movie nights, board games, going on walks or to the park. My favorite thing to do with my sisters is our Friday movie nights. Every Friday, the first thing we do after school is walk to a convenience store to buy some comfort food. We do this as a way of rewarding ourselves and celebrating the end of a busy week of school. When we arrive home, my parents usually head out for their weekly date night. My sisters and I get the house to ourselves. We use this time together to unwind and focus our minds on anything other than school. It is a comforting and therapeutic way of having a well-deserved mental break. I truly enjoy this time with my sisters. It is the little moments like these that mean the most to me.
My breakthrough…
Basketball has always been a crucial part of who I am, which is why I tried out for my school’s Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Team in Grade 10. I was overjoyed when the Junior Varsity Coach pulled me aside during tryouts and told me to try out for the Varsity Team instead. I was delighted to see that my hard work and dedication to this sport were starting to pay off. I tried out for the Varsity Team and was one of the few Juniors to make the team. Playing against girls who were older and stronger than me was a beneficial experience as it physically challenged me on the court. I was able to learn and grow as an individual and team player, which helped me on the team this year. We finished this season by winning the Championships!
Why tutoring matters to me …
My passion for being a tutor for young kids stems from a variety of reasons but started by having 2 younger sisters:
- Love for Teaching: I have a genuine love for imparting knowledge and helping children learn and grow.
- Joy in Witnessing Progress: Seeing kids grasp new concepts and witnessing their academic and personal growth is incredibly rewarding. I see it with my basketball team and now I get to see it with young kids.
- Building Strong Foundations: I feel tutors play a crucial role in building a strong educational foundation for young learners, which can have long-lasting effects. It made an impact on me!
- Sense of Purpose: Being a tutor can gives me a sense of purpose and a feeling that I am contributing positively to your community and society as a whole.!
My Community Commitment
Safetynet Children
I have also been working with Safetynet Children & Youth Charities for a few years. Safetynet is a company that provides assistance to families in need. I help this company by voluntarily tutoring children who are part of families below the poverty line. During the past two years, I have been tutoring five students during the school year. Last summer, I decided to help this company by doing something new for the families. I worked with Safetynet, and we launched a free reading and literacy program for six families below the poverty line who have children below their grade level in reading. I was one of three tutors who volunteered six days during the week for this program. I would read with the children, which would help to enhance their comprehension and expand their knowledge in literacy. I worked with two students, and both students have moved up to their grade level in reading and literacy comprehension.
Leo’s Club
In grade nine, I was introduced to a club called the Oakville Leo’s Club. As soon as my friend told me about the details of the club, I instantly knew it was something I wanted to join and so I did. This club focuses on initiating impactful service and fundraising projects to help better our community and environment. After a year of joining the club, I became the Chair of the Program and Charity Committee. I was Secretary last year, and am now the President of the club. I elevate the awareness of the Leos’ collective impact in fulfilling humanitarian needs by finding local projects for our club to pursue. Some of the work we do includes making promotional videos for companies, sending holiday cards to senior homes, wrapping gift bags for senior citizens, planting Indigenous plants on the grounds near Churches as well as hosting shoreline cleanups.
Palermo Village Retirement Homes
I have been volunteering at Palermo Village Retirement Residence since I was in grade seven. I developed an interest in volunteering at Palermo Village because of my caring nature and love of working with the elderly. We partake in many activities together, such as going on mall trips, boat rides, playing weekly bingo and trivia, and I create arts and crafts activities for the senior citizens. I also help by running the tuck shop as well as decorating and cleaning the building. I have spent over 400 hours volunteering at Palermo Village, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I get to hear the seniors’ stories and learn all about their interests and families. I spend most of my weekends at this residence and it has been an invaluable experience for me as it has taught me to slow down and truly appreciate the gift that each day brings to my life.