Teen gives time, talents to summer enrichment

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 24, 2003

While most of her peers are lounging on the beach, vacationing with the family or mowing lawns, 16-year-old Marjorie Lane is doing all that and then some.

The Goshen High School sophomore is spending two days a week at the Troy Public Library helping 10-year-old Andrew Bullock stay on top of his reading.

Bullock will be in fifth grade at Goshen Elementary School in the fall and this summer he - or rather his mom - thought a few hours spent working on his reading skills will help him in the fall.

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Bullock was less than enthusiastic with his mother's decision, but Tuesday was his first visit with Lane and he has since changed his mind.

It seems Lane is easy to get along with, which means summer enrichment will be that much less boring.

Although he isn't a big fan of reading, Lane admits it will help him with his two favorite subjects - spelling and math.

But he isn't the only one who will benefit.

"It not only helps him, but it betters my education as well," Lane said.

"I learn a lot of things through the books they read."

She also learns a little bit about the joy of service.

"I love to do it," she said.

"And I enjoy reading."

So this summer arrangement is working out just fine.

But reading isn't the only thing she'll help Bullock with.

"We'll do a little of everything," Lane said.

"For however long he needs it."

Lane is also involved on the Teen Board, which is a group of high school volunteers who help with library activities.

Lane said she knew of at least three or four others who were also tutoring this summer.

"I was asked to be on the Teen Board my first year," she said.

"And then I was asked again and I said yes because I thought it was fun.

It's a really good organization."

Even though Lane has a good time volunteering, learns things she wouldn't otherwise know and has fun times with other board members, she knows she isn't the only one getting something out of it.

"It's not only important to me, but it's important to him (Bullock) also," she said.