She recalls a child who started out being frustrated with the idea of reading only to enjoy the process so much that she ultimately grew frustrated with how the books were too easy for her to read.

Now in her third year as an America Reads tutor through Quinnipiac's community work-study program, Ouellet has helped young students strengthen their literacy skills while developing meaningful relationships within the Wallingford, Connecticut, community. 

What initially began as an opportunity to gain professional experience has become one of the most defining aspects of her college experience.

"I have always loved working with kids," Ouellet said. "I also would love to go into pediatrics in the future, so this position seemed like both the perfect continuation of what I had been doing and prepared me for success in the future."

Before arriving at Quinnipiac, Ouellet gained experience working with children of different ages as a swim instructor throughout high school and during school breaks. 

Hoping to continue working with young students while exploring her interest in pediatrics, she joined the America Reads program within her first month of college. 

Beyond gaining professional skills, she also saw the position as an opportunity to find a sense of belonging in a new environment.

"I was hoping being at the Boys & Girls Club would give me a sense of community, belonging and meaningful relationships at a time in my life when I was searching for that," Ouellet said. "Now, in my third year as a tutor, I still have very meaningful relationships with the other staff, my students, and feel a deep sense of community there."

Through Quinnipiac's community work-study program, students have the opportunity to gain professional experience while contributing to organizations beyond campus. 

For Ouellet, this means helping children with reading and homework while creating an environment where they feel comfortable, supported and excited to learn.

"Typically, before we start doing homework I will sit with students while they have their snack and catch up on their day," Ouellet said.

Her responsibilities extend beyond traditional tutoring, often including board games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and time in the gym. When students begin their homework, Ouellet works individually or in small groups with those who need additional assistance. 

With younger students, she focuses on strengthening reading comprehension through sight words, sounding out unfamiliar words and using context clues.

"I have learned that not all students learn in the same way," Ouellet said. "I have figured out how to break material down differently for each student and tailor lessons to their individual needs and preferences."

Over the past two years, Ouellet has become more confident in her teaching abilities and her approach to working with students. 

Recognizing that reading can sometimes be frustrating for younger children, she has developed creative strategies to make learning feel less intimidating. These include creating comfortable reading spaces with blankets and stuffed animals, offering small rewards and allowing students to choose which books they want to read.

"Before they get to the club, I pick out a few books that are at the level they need, and I let them pick the specific book they want to read, so they feel like they have some control," Ouellet said.

These approaches have allowed Ouellet to witness significant changes in her students' confidence and willingness to participate in activities. 

She has noticed that children who initially struggled with reading often became more comfortable interacting with classmates as their skills improved. 

For Ouellet, watching that transformation has been among the most rewarding aspects of her position.

"The most rewarding point of helping children become more confident in their ability to read is watching that confidence spread into other aspects of their lives," Ouellet said.

One particular student has remained especially memorable throughout Ouellet's time at the Boys & Girls Club. When the two first met, the student was in kindergarten and frequently became upset when asked to read. 

After working together throughout the year, the student gradually developed stronger skills and eventually told Ouellet that reading no longer made her upset.

"I sat down with her recently just to check in and see how she was doing, and she was annoyed with me because she told me she could handle more than the book I had given her," Ouellet said. "It reminded me how important the work I was doing is."

Experiences like these have reinforced Ouellet's belief in the importance of accessible educational support within local communities. 

By identifying children who may need additional assistance, she hopes to help them develop the foundational skills necessary for future academic success. 

Her experiences have also strengthened her interest in pursuing a career in pediatrics, where she hopes to continue making a difference in children's lives.

"My position at the Boys & Girls Club has defined my experience at Quinnipiac," Ouellet said. "Personally, it has helped to develop my communication skills, it has taught me to be more innovative and given me a sense of purpose."

Beyond the professional experience, Ouellet has formed meaningful relationships that have become central to her college journey. 

Since her first year, she has collected artwork, coloring pages and crafts created by her students and proudly displayed them in her dorm room. 

She affectionately refers to this growing collection as her "wall of fame."

"I love when my students come to me with a new piece of artwork to hang up," Ouellet said.

For Ouellet, these small gestures represent the relationships she has built through her work and the important role her students play in her life. 

When sharing updates about college with family and friends, many of her favorite stories involve experiences at the Boys & Girls Club. Said connections have transformed what could have been an ordinary student job into an experience that extends far beyond a paycheck.

"I have made some wonderful friendships with the other staff, I have found a community that has given me a sense of belonging and the relationships I have with my students have truly impacted me deeply," Ouellet said.

Her experience highlights the value of Quinnipiac's community work-study opportunities, which allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings while building connections with surrounding communities. 

Through her twice-weekly visits to the Boys & Girls Club, Ouellet has learned to balance academic responsibilities with her commitment to supporting young learners. 

The experience has also provided a meaningful outlet from the demands of college life.

"It has been really grounding for me to get to leave campus twice a week, go out into the community, and be reminded that there are so many aspects to life other than the stress of school," Ouellet said.

For Quinnipiac students considering Community work-study positions, Ouellet encourages approaching the experience with an open mind and a willingness to build relationships. 

Although balancing schoolwork and professional responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, she believes the personal and professional rewards make the experience worthwhile.

"My biggest piece of advice would be to be open to the ways tutoring will impact you," Ouellet said. "The students are so excited to get to know new people and the impact you can have on their lives is truly priceless."

From helping young readers overcome academic challenges to discovering a supportive community away from campus, Ouellet's journey illustrates how meaningful a community work-study position can become. 

While her students continue developing the confidence and skills they need to succeed, Ouellet is gaining valuable experiences that will shape her own future. 

What began as an opportunity to help others has ultimately become one of the most rewarding parts of her Quinnipiac experience.