(FLOC welcomes new staff each summer. In this miniseries, we are recognizing our summer associates and interns by publishing blog posts about their experiences. Stephanie Maldonado is a Site Coordinator for the Summer Math Academy.)
Q: Where are you from?
I was born in Chicago, Illinois. I was raised in Puerto Rico.
Q: Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May. I studied Social Work.
Q: How did you hear about FLOC?
Idealist. I received the Harry Truman Scholarship in college and they sponsor our moving to DC [for the summer]. They also provide an extensive list of…public service positions and I chose FLOC. FLOC’s mission aligned with my personal and professional interests. I’ve never heard of a nonprofit that had an established curriculum in place for students who are below grade level. I was strongly interested in how a nonprofit could so efficiently manage the collaboration between volunteers, schools, and families.
Q: What is your job description at FLOC?
I am a Math site coordinator for grades 6-12. I help provide continual support guidance for student-tutor pairs through lesson plan reviewing and tracking student progress.
Q: What’s a challenge you’ve overcome this summer?
Learning how to meet the needs of volunteers in order to [help them] provide quality services to the students and managing the balance between support and guidance, while still encouraging autonomy and individual tutoring styles.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
I used to dance. I used to perform salsa and hip-hop. I like to explore different cuisines and run.
Q: What are your future plans?
For now, I want to be a school social worker. After that, I’m interested in community nonprofits that collaborate with schools and families, also known as community schools with an inclination toward schools with Latino populations.
