Valued Youth Partnership

Génesis Soto – 2025 Second Place High School Reflection Winner

Genesis Soto VYPGénesis Soto

12th Grade, Odessa High School, Odessa, Texas

The Transformative Power of Unconditional Love: My Journey as a Tutor

What does it mean to be a tutor? Everyone has different journeys and experiences. Today, I tell my story about how, since I became a Valued Youth Partnership tutor, I have learned the meaning of unconditional love through my tutees and my teacher. My name is Génesis, and this journey has been transformative for me in ways I would’ve never anticipated.

Initially, I joined the Valued Youth Partnership program with hopes of making a difference in the little’s life, but what I received in return was far more profound. A deep understanding of what unconditional love really means.

When I first began tutoring, I was filled with happiness but also faced challenges, as you’d expect. The first few days were daunting as I struggled to break the ice between me and my tutees. Many of them came from different backgrounds and with many unique learning needs, which sometimes made it difficult to find common ground. However, as I continued to fight for them and continued to show up for them, I noticed changes little by little. My tutees began to open up, share their thoughts and trust me. These small moments of connection taught me the importance of patience and sympathy, foundational elements of unconditional love.

As time went on, the bonds I formed with my tutees grew stronger. I remember a particular student, Oscar*, who initially played around and often seemed disinterested. Over time, through consistent support and encouragement, Oscar began to show progress in his focus. Not only that, but interest in bonding with me and trusting me.

One day, after we had not worked together for a whole week he ran up to give me a hug and said, “I missed you.” This gesture, though small, was like an awakening that love comes in many shapes and sizes. I would’ve never thought that a small void in my heart could be filled by three simple words. It was in these moments that I truly understood the meaning of unconditional love – a love that is steadfast and unwavering, regardless of circumstances.

My teacher, Mrs. Granado, played a pivotal role in shaping and basically making my understanding of unconditional love. From the very beginning, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both her work and most importantly her students. Her patience, kindness and dedication were evident in every interaction.

I recall a time when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed and doubted my ability to feel okay. Somehow, she had it in her at the right time and place to be able to open up about her situation. This made me feel heard about my concerns, and offered words of encouragement even though she didn’t know she was doing so. Her comfort in opening up to us, her students, showed me that it was okay to feel all of the feelings, open up about any struggles, and most importantly the unconditional love she had for us by simply being her students. Every word and pep talk she gave us resonated deeply with me and reinforced the idea that love, in its purest form, is about being there for others without expecting anything in return.

Through these experiences, I have grown immensely as a person. I have learned that unconditional love is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, everyday acts of kindness and support. It is about being present, listening and showing empathy. This understanding has influenced other areas of my life, from my relationships with family to my interactions with strangers. I have come to appreciate the value of giving selflessly and the profound impact it can have on others.

In conclusion, my journey as a Valued Youth Partnership tutor has been a remarkable learning experience. Through my interactions with my tutees and the guidance of my teacher, I have come to understand the true meaning of unconditional love. It is a love that is patient, kind, and unwavering, regardless of the challenges or obstacles we face.

As I continue on this path, I am committed to applying these lessons in all aspects of my life, knowing that the impact of unconditional love is immeasurable.

* Tutee name changed for privacy

See the booklet with all the winning reflections from 2025 (pdf).

The IDRA Valued Youth Partnership is a research-based cross-age tutoring program. According to the Valued Youth creed, all students are valuable, none is expendable. The lives of three-quarters of a million students, families and educators have been positively impacted by the program.

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San Antonio, TX 78228

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