Six years ago, Mary and James from Burma welcomed a new friend. Jean came into their life as an RIT volunteer tutor for their daughters, but has since become family.

Jean with Mary, James, and their four girls in 2015

Mary: “The first day she came, we were so excited. We could not wait to meet our new tutor. We did not know what to expect. After that it was so much fun, every time she came, the girls learned so much. She brought us toys and books. When her son is home from college, he also comes and helps teach the girls too.”

There are so many wonderful days that I remember.

Last Christmas, we went to Ms Jean’s house and made cupcakes and opened presents, and then we walked around the neighborhood to look at all the Christmas lights.”

Jean’s first Xmas with the family in 2013

Jean: I have been visiting Mary and James since their oldest daughter was a 2nd grader. She is now a young lady in 8th grade. All of the children are doing well in school.

I can’t wait to attend some college graduations in a few years!”

One of Jean and the girls’ science experiments. In the background: the girls’ aunt, Nuam with RIT volunteer, Janet

Jean: “Every year through about fourth grade, the girls have to do a science fair project. Last year, our experiment was, “Does dog saliva kill germs?” For that experiment, we got Petri dishes and inert bacteria, and visited friends with dogs to collect saliva samples. I was excited about it because I had never been good at science in school, and this felt like my second chance to try. It turns out that dog saliva DOES kill germs! Who knew?”

The family in 2019 (with a new addition: a little brother for the girls!)

Mary: “Ms Jean helped us find a new apartment. She came with us and stood in line and helped us fill out the papers, not one time, but several times. One day, an apartment office where we had been on the waiting list for many years, called James and told him that we did not qualify for that apartment anymore. Ms Jean and James went to the apartment office and explained our situation, and persuaded the apartment office to change their minds.

We got the apartment after all, and we were so grateful.

When we moved, the girls had to change school districts, so Ms Jean came with us and helped us fill out the paperwork for the new schools.”

Jean is moving to another city, so she won’t be seeing the family as often anymore. But the memories they’ve made together will stay for life.

Mary: “When we visit Burma, or when we talk to our family on the phone, we tell them how much we love Ms Jean and how blessed we are to have her. The kids love her so much, they get so excited when she is coming to see us. She loves the children and always listens to their stories.

We always tell our kids, never forget Ms Jean.”

Jean: “Some days I feel frustrated about my job, or I question what am I doing in my life that has meaning? Am I using my time wisely? Sometimes I wish I had done things differently as a mother or as a friend. But the moment I walk through the door at James and Mary’s home, I know I am spending my time well.

I have learned so much from James and Mary about love, marriage, and family. Through all of their hard times, their struggles with money and language and being in a new culture—all the difficulties they have overcome just to be here—through all of that, they are loving, unfailingly kind, and good to each other. I feel privileged to be allowed to sit inside the warm glow of their family circle. They’ve given me so much more than I have given them.

My heart is at least two sizes bigger now.”

Last year, Refugee & Immigrant Transitions worked with 288 dedicated volunteers like Jean. Together, we create stories and relationships that change lives and strengthen our shared communities.