Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Awards 2024 - Wayne Rosen
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation 2024, Queens Public Library recognizes the contributions of its volunteers and spotlights the recipients of the Go the Extra Mile (G.E.M.) Volunteer Award. G.E.M. celebrates individuals that exemplify the values of Queens Public Library and demonstrate stellar customer service and dedication to our patrons and staff.
This year, Queens Public Library recognizes Wayne Rosen for his work as a Homework Helper. Wayne has been a tireless volunteer at Corona Library for eight years. He comes in from Monday-Friday to provide homework help for the children. He often stays on late Thursdays to make sure that every kid needs help with homework is seen. There have been days where he has helped up to 25 children, all on his own, over the course of a day. Both the kids and parents love "Mr. Wayne / Señor Wayne" and ask for him as soon as they walk in.
“When we reopened after COVID closed us for 16 months, Mr. Wayne came right back in to see when we would be starting up homework help and if he had to reapply. He could have used that time to retire from volunteering, but it didn't even occur to him. As soon as we opened, he wanted to be part of things again”, said Rosemary Kiladitis, Community Library Manager at the Corona branch. “Other homework help volunteers have come and gone, but Wayne is a constant, and we are so grateful”.
Meet Wayne Rosen...
Q: Tell us a little about yourself (Name, profession or career aspirations)
A: I am a 71-year-old retiree. My bachelor's degree is in mathematics with a minor in education from Queens College. I aspired to become a junior high school math teacher, but as fate would have it, burned out in about six months. My last job was at National Bank of Canada in the operations area as a loan administrator in Manhattan.
Q: Give 3 words that best describes your personality
A: Three words which best describe my personality are serious, humorous, and dependable. I try to help others so that the solution to their problems results in a significant change in their behavior. Also, I try to do it in a friendly way which reduces a lot of stress. If I make a promise, I do everything in my power to keep it.
Q: What was your first memorable experience with Queens Public Library (i.e., visiting as a child, attending a program, getting a library card, etc.)?
A: My first memorable experience with the Queens Public Library occurred on the first day of my employment as a Homework Helper at Corona Library in the Children’s Section. I decided right then and there to help as many students as possible to at least finish their homework with a basic understanding of the concepts. In-depth teaching was used when time permitted. If I remember correctly, there must have been about 30 students who asked for help. Thank goodness there was a STACKS program with a very talented person in charge. I really learned how to help more than one student at a time!
Q: Why did you first volunteer with QPL? What was your first volunteer experience with the library?
A: I volunteered with QPL because I wanted to help students in [other communities]. Corona Library was a relatively short subway ride, and it was convenient for me. When I retired, I need a good way to share with others the benefits of six years of college.
Q: What are your reasons for volunteering in your role and why you felt a need to serve in this capacity?
A: Since I had been exposed to many different subjects, I felt that working with young people would help them to understand their schoolwork better, During my volunteer time, I have had the pleasure of helping students with issues such as attention deficit disorder and difficulty with studying exams. When the students [told me their] schoolwork [grades] markedly improved, it gave me a warm feeling!
Q: What are 2-3 skills that you have learned while volunteering with the library and how they are useful to you?
A: A skill that I learned was communication with student who did not speak English. I was able to pick up a smattering of Spanish so that students understood the basic concepts of the homework. Of course, the student’s and parent’s smartphone were convenient when translating Spanish into English.
Q: What are 2-3 tips that you would tell someone thinking about volunteering with the library or just started to volunteer with the library?
A: The first tip about volunteering at the library is to manage time, It is not always possible to spend a lot of time with one student. The second tip is to try to show up at your appointed time. The third tip is to always treat the students with the utmost respect. Keep them focused on the homework and if there are many students who need help, try to help more than one at a time.
