This month, we're spotlighting volunteer Megan Rider. She is one of the teachers of the ESL 2/3 with Computers Class. She is wonderful with the students!  

LS: Where are you originally from? 

MR: I was born on a military base in Annapolis, MD and moved for the first time when I was 18 months old. By the time I was 16 my family and myself had moved over 10 times, across the states and abroad. I connected most deeply with our time in Okinawa, Japan.

LS: What brought you here?

MR: After living in Brooklyn for 5 years, I moved to Seattle for the nearby healing wilderness areas.

LS: Can you share something about you and your life and/or what you would like to do in the future? 

MR: I'm a perpetual student of the world. I'm currently writing a book of philosophical theory and a graphic novel. In the near future, I hope to be part of a network that supports and educates survivors of sexual slavery.

LS: Why did you choose to volunteer at Literacy Source?

MR: While in treatment for PTSD in the recent past, my most healing and strengthening caregivers were volunteers - and I realized my personal need to give back to people free of monetary exchange. 

I truly believe knowledge must be shared in order for its content to fully develop. I think basic literacy and computer literacy can be an individual's primary tool of communication and freedom. By using and augmenting my skills to empower adult students, I am in turn fulfilled.

LS: What is something you like about volunteering at Literacy Source?
MR: During every class, our learners continually inspire me with their commitment, perseverance, and focus - as they are learning 2 languages (English and virtual) simultaneously. Over the course of a quarter, they learn with individual trajectories and also become a supportive team.

LS: Any stories or highlights from volunteering at Literacy Source? 

MR: Tuan was part of the original computer/ESL class, and as he practiced new skills and built on those, he quickly gained confidence of the virtual world. For over a year, he would arrive at least 30 minutes early - and having an active interest in his development, I would meet him early and I'd make up lessons on whatever he was interested in learning, whatever he was searching for online. Tuan's thirst for knowledge is a continual string of highlights. 

LS: What might people not know about you?

MR: After not being able to teach for years due to serious health issues, I continually doubted I still had the ability to teach effectively again. All of our students here - in each person's experience, struggle, learning - have given me perspective that this self-doubt can be overcome.