Building Connections Through Math: My Experience as a Math Motivators Tutor

Volunteers play a vital role in helping students build confidence in math and see new possibilities for their future. In this blog, John May, a Math Motivators tutor and Unum employee, shares his experience working with students at Portland High School. Through mentorship, consistency, and connection, John has seen firsthand how meaningful even a small amount of time can be.

When I first started volunteering with Math Motivators at Portland High School, I never imagined how impactful the experience would become, for the students and for me. As an employee at Unum and a tutor lead, I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible students, but one stands out in particular: Marcelo, a student from Haiti who speaks four languages.

While Marcelo’s language abilities were impressive, math, especially in English, was a challenge. I worked with him regularly to break down concepts, answer questions, and help him build confidence. Over time, I watched him grow more comfortable not only with the material but with the learning process itself. Seeing that transformation has been one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering.

Tutoring at a school as diverse as Portland High has allowed me to build genuine connections with students from different backgrounds. It reminded me that this work is about more than just solving equations, it’s about showing up, being consistent, and helping students see how strong math skills can open doors for their future.

Volunteering has also helped me grow professionally. At Unum, I rotate through different roles, and tutoring has sharpened my ability to explain complex ideas clearly, mentor others, and transfer knowledge, skills that are just as valuable at work as they are in the classroom.

And since we moved the tutoring sessions to the school library, I’ve noticed an even greater impact. The dedicated space creates a calm, focused environment where both students and tutors thrive. It’s a small change that reinforces what Math Motivators does best: creating stable, supportive spaces where we can learn and grow together.

John’s experience is a reminder that mentoring is about more than math, it’s about building relationships and helping students believe in themselves. Through programs like Math Motivators, volunteers create spaces where students can grow, ask questions, and gain confidence. For professionals considering volunteering, John’s story shows that even a small commitment can lead to lasting impact.