Christina Simone Coker (Class Of 2029 — On Giving Back To The Community Through Literacy

This semester, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in the SpelREADS Literacy Program, where Spelman students work with children at KIPP Strive Primary to strengthen their reading and comprehension skills. Meeting twice a week, the program creates a space for mentorship, encouragement, and growth. Not only for the students we serve, but also for ourselves as mentors.

One of the major strengths of SpelREADS is its consistency. Meeting regularly with the same students on a 1:1 or 2:1 (student:reading guide) allows trust and familiarity to develop, which makes a huge difference in how engaged the children become. Over time, I noticed many students begin to look forward to reading sessions, showing more confidence in sounding out words or asking questions about the stories. The collaborative nature of the program, pairing college students with younger learners, also makes it uniquely personal and impactful.

However, like any program, there are areas for improvement. The limited time we have with each student twice a week can make it difficult to cover as much as we’d like. Some students need more one-on-one time or differentiated materials that match their reading levels more closely. Incorporating a wider variety of texts or interactive literacy games could also help sustain attention and make the sessions even more engaging.

Participating in SpelREADS thus far has had a lasting impact on how I think about my goals and the role I want to play in my community. It reminded me that service doesn’t always have to be grand or visible to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting side by side with a student, reading a page together, and seeing their confidence grow with each word. Even though it’s only been a few weeks, SpelREADS has shown me that literacy is more than just learning to read; it’s the foundation for empowerment, imagination, and opportunity.

Authentically, 

Christina Simone Coker