Jeff Utz | Mentor + Saturday Resource Center Volunteer

“The greatest gift you can give a kid is your time.”

Jeff (right) stands in front of motivational posters in the Brooklyn gymnasium next to his mentee, Tahjajuan in 2019.

My name is Jeff and I am a former pediatrician and software engineer. I changed careers and became a NYC teaching fellow to become a middle school science teacher. I teach general science and STEM in school and chess and robotics in the after school program at the Montauk Junior High School in Boro Park.

What inspired you to get involved with CPNYC?

I was a mentor in another program.

How have you served as a volunteer?

I have been a mentor at CPNYC about 10 years. I also began volunteering in the Saturday Resource Center on its very first day about 3 years ago. I also have volunteered over the summer, teaching about plants and going on field trips.

Share your most memorable moment as a volunteer.

I don't have a particular moment, but the breaks at Saturday Resource Center [where we get to play games and hang out with scholars] are particularly memorable. Additionally, the many times my mentee and I went to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, go out for food, and visited Philadelphia, stand out the most.

What are some lessons you have learned through this process?

• Although the kids are different, they all have similar needs and wants.

• The greatest gift you can give a kid is your time.

• There is life outside the screen (thanks Mr. Walker!).

What advice would you offer to future volunteers?

• It doesn't matter what you do, just be there.

• A great gift you give whoever you are working with is your undivided attention, with electronics off.

• Consistency is very important. Show up when every you can, and if you can't let the kids and their adults know as soon as you can.

• Be yourself.