Carolyn Hall (pseudonym)

Carolyn Hall was beginning her first semester at LFCC. Whereas most students are excited about the thought of attending college, Carolyn was indifferent.

She enrolled because her parents encouraged her to do so -- not because of her intrinsic interest. Carolyn was one of Math Instructor Evan Humbert’s students. “She just was not into school,” professor Humbert said. “She was just here.”

Carolyn’s lack of motivation reflected in her grade in Humbert’s math class, which quickly slipped to a D. Humbert approached Carolyn and offered to tutor her. She agreed and began attending weekly tutoring sessions led by her professor. “I encouraged and motivated her. Because of this, her grade point average increased to an A-minus. How many of us have gone through school and have never been told ‘I believe in you?’ Because I did this, Carolyn’s belief in herself just rose,” Humbert said.

Carolyn is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at a four-year university.

- Written Nov. 3, 2006