By Aidan Chui
Aidan and Van Hai matched eighteen months ago. Currently, Aidan and Van Hai meet twice a week over Zoom to get updates on current events, giving Van Hai a chance to practice his reading skills. Van Hai and his family has been with FCSN since before the pandemic, participating in various classes and Zoom events, including classes with SN tutoring and a dance party a few years ago. He enjoys his reading classes most and has seen improvement in his reading skills. SNTutoring offers a variety of classes across many subjects. Van Hai has worked with tutors that guide hands-on activities like making a home volcano with his science tutor. Van Hai prefers a hybrid approach (in-person and Zoom) for classes, but acknowledges the convenience of Zoom. An avid learner, he watches the news every day, multiple times, finding all subjects interesting and waits for his biweekly sessions with Aidan to show off his reading skills while gaining more knowledge about current events. Check out their full interview below.
A: So I just have a few questions for you about SN tutoring and your experience with us. Is that okay?
VH: Yes.
A: In every class that we hold, I always ask you to suggest material about current events because I know you’re always updated with the news. And you’re always really eager to learn more about the news during our sessions. Why do you like watching the news so much?
VH: Well, everything that we’re talking about, I think it’s really interesting.
A: So, do you enjoy your classes with me? Because you’re learning a lot from all the readings?
VH: Yeah.
A: Do you think that your reading improved to do think throughout our almost over like one year of reading together?
VH: Yeah. Oh, it was great.
A: Do you think it’s things like pronunciation or, you know, kind of your tone as a reader?
VH: Yes, everything I think.
A: On a different note, when did your family join FCSN?
VH: Before the Coronavirus started.
A: What have you guys done since joining?
VH: Well, honestly a lot. Zoom meetings.
A: And that is with SNTutoring, right?
VH: Yes.
A: What kind of classes are there? What else do you do besides reading with me?
lVH: Oh, there’s art. There’s a science class with other different days.
A: And what do you think has been your favorite? Your favorite thing from FCSN? And so far?
VH: My favoirite part of FCSN was, uhh, all of the reading.
A: That’s great to hear. And then I’m just gonna ask you some questions about our own classes again. Right. So, how long have we had class together?
VH: Two years?
A: A little over a year. That’s how long it’s been. And when do you do your other classes?
VH: Well, I do both reading and science on Sunday.
A: I see. What do you learn in your science class?
VH: Well, I have made a volcano?
A: So the tutors are teaching and performing an experiment and you follow them online, right?
VH: Yes.
A: What else have you guys made?
VH: Well, a lot of those liquid things.
A: And then in your art class, what kind of art do you learn?
VH: We draw everything!
A: Does the tutor just tell you how to draw or do they draw with you?
VH: We’ll use crayons or pencils.
A: And does he just kind of like to guide you through the drawings or does he like to draw with you?
VH: Draw with me.
A: What was the last thing that you guys drew together?
VH: Well, my favorite was the AI. We drew with my computer.
A: So he taught you how to make pictures with AI?
VH: Yeah.
A: That’s pretty cool. Going back, what did you guys learn in your old reading class?
VH: Well, originally about history stuff.
A: So not like us now since we’re reading a lot about news and things.
VH: Right.
A: And with how we do classes, would you prefer a hybrid? In-person and Zoom?
VH: Yes.
A: But would you say that it’s easier with Zoom? How you are just at home? And it’s all virtual?
VH: Yeah, but hybrid would have been possible if Coronavirus died down?
A: So that’s why it’s also very convenient for the both of us because we do live in different cities. Do you think you’re ever going to want to try a music class like singing or playing an instrument at all?
VH: Well, a few years ago, I did [the FCSN] dancing party on Zoom. We couldn’t find a tutor [for dancing].
A: So did you have a music class before this?
VH: Yes, it was totally fun.
A: That’s it about your classes. How often do you watch the news? Is it every day or is it like a few times every day or what is it like for you?
VH: Every day a few times? On any subject.
A: Well, I hope you will keep watching every day and keep yourself updated. Okay, Van Hai? VH: Okay.
SNTutoring 