For some volunteers, a service experience is something they participate in once and move on from. For Grey Zimmerman, his experience with SmartKids Ghana was different. After volunteering with the organization during the previous fall cohort, Grey chose to return because the experience left him with a genuine desire to continue serving and making a difference.

A 10th-grade student at Concord Carlisle High School, Grey has already experienced what it means to step into a virtual classroom, connect with scholars in Ghana, and use his time and knowledge to support their learning. Now, he is returning as a Zoom Teacher with the same enthusiasm and commitment that made his first experience so meaningful.

An Experience Worth Returning To

Grey first joined the SmartKids Ghana Zoom Teaching Program last fall. At the time, he was taking on a new opportunity to teach and connect with scholars beyond his own community. What began as a volunteer experience quickly became something much more meaningful. Reflecting on his previous experience, Grey described it as an “incredible experience” and shared that he was excited to become involved again. That decision to return speaks volumes. For Grey, the experience showed him that young people can have a real impact when they are given the opportunity to share their time, knowledge, and energy with others.

Teaching With A Purpose

Grey’s interest in SmartKids Ghana is rooted in his belief in the organization’s mission. He sees SmartKids Ghana as an organization with a meaningful and honorable purpose, and his previous experience reinforced that belief. What stood out most to him was the feeling that his contribution mattered. Teaching through Zoom may seem simple from the outside, but for the scholars on the other side of the screen, having someone take the time to prepare a lesson, explain a new concept, answer questions, and encourage participation can make a significant difference. His return demonstrates that teaching is not simply about delivering information. It is about creating opportunities for scholars to engage, ask questions, build confidence, and discover new ways of thinking.

A Young Volunteer Making A Difference

At just 10th grade, Grey is already demonstrating the kind of initiative and sense of responsibility that can shape a strong future leader. He has previously volunteered as a teacher giving him an understanding of the importance of patience, preparation, communication, and adaptability when working with learners. His experience also gives him an opportunity to continue developing these skills while contributing to something larger than himself.

For SmartKids Ghana, having young volunteers like Grey is incredibly valuable. Our ambassadors bring different experiences, perspectives, and strengths to the program, and each teacher contributes to creating a richer learning experience for our scholars.

Why Returning Matters

There is something particularly powerful about returning to a program after experiencing it once. Grey already knows what it feels like to prepare for a lesson, enter the virtual classroom, interact with scholars, and navigate the responsibilities that come with being a volunteer teacher. This time, he returns with that experience behind him. He is returning with greater familiarity, a deeper understanding of the program, and a renewed desire to contribute. That is exactly the kind of growth we hope to encourage through the SmartKids Ghana Ambassador Program.

Looking Ahead

As Grey begins another Zoom Teaching experience with SmartKids Ghana, we are excited to see what this next chapter brings. His decision to return is a reminder that meaningful service can stay with you long after a program ends. Sometimes, one experience is enough to show a young person that their time and effort can genuinely matter.

At SmartKids Ghana, we are grateful for volunteers who understand that education is not limited by borders and that a young person in one part of the world can make a meaningful difference in the life of a scholar thousands of miles away. Grey’s story is a reminder that you do not have to wait until you are older to make an impact. You simply have to be willing to show up, share what you know, and care enough to make a difference.

We are excited to welcome Grey back and look forward to seeing the impact he will make throughout this cohort.