Avery Lum ’22 had big plans this summer to take on a full-time fellowship with otolaryngologist Daniel Roberts ’97 at UConn Health in Farmington, Conn. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit. But instead of taking the summer off, Lum now is busy with three projects. He’s conducting remote research with Roberts and his residents, tutoring with EduMate NYC, and leading a book club for middle schoolers. “I’ve been exploring other ways to make meaningful use of my summer,” Lum said.
Major: Biology
Hometown: Weston, Conn.
High School: Weston High School
EduMate NYC is an online tutoring organization – started by a group of Harvard students this year – that pairs college student volunteers with New York City public school students in need of tutoring. Tutoring sessions are one-on-one and take place over Zoom or another online platform. This was a natural fit for Lum. “I’ve had a lot of experience tutoring in high school and with the QSR at Hamilton, so it’s a fitting way for me to help out,” he said.
With EduMate, Lum tutors two students, two to three hours a week each. One is going into first grade and the other into fifth; he works on both math and English/language arts with them.
Lum became involved with the Zoom book club after a parent in his area advertised on social media looking for someone to advise and lead reading discussions for two eighth graders. “It’s small for now, but I’m hoping my virtual tutoring/book group work can prepare me to work with the COOP [Community Outreach & Opportunity Project] on some ways to connect Clinton and Rome students with Hamilton students online this coming semester,” Lum said.
