Kids are full of energy, easygoing, and generally innocent. They often withhold judgement, and are more carefree than adults. This is what Ekram Khoram enjoys about working with kids. A Junior IB Student here at Armijo, Ekram is involved in many clubs such as Key Club, Friday Night Live, French Club, and College & Career Club. But after school, Ekram dedicates his time volunteering at the Fairfield Civic Center Library. He usually tutors elementary and middle school students, and helps them with their schoolwork.

As a tutor, Ekram assists students in all subjects, but he most commonly helps students learn to read. Ekram explained, “Some of the kids struggle with reading, so it makes me feel really special to help them and have an impact on them.” Usually, he helps students pick a book to read that accords with their grade level. After they read the book, Ekram asks them questions about the plot to help them practice reading comprehension skills. In addition, Ekram will help students with writing projects, or he will aid them in planning their essays. Ekram stated that his favorite part about working with kids is that “they’re willing to to learn”. He further continued, “They put in their effort, and we work as a team”.

Ekram’s past projects with the library include making holiday cards for deployed military personnel and planning a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Sometimes, he desensitizes old library books so that they can be sold at the Friends of the Library bookstore. Ekram thoroughly enjoys volunteering at the library, and takes joy in giving back to others. He stated, “I like to get involved with the community and contribute in some way.”