We recently connected with Elizabeth Palacios and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from the example my parents have set for me. As a first-generation American, I’ve witnessed their determination to thrive in a country that hasn’t always been accepting of immigrants or people with disabilities. Their strength has taught me to face adversity with courage. Despite being labeled and underestimated due to my disabilities, I’ve refused to let those labels define me. Through initiatives like Tutors Connects, I’ve found ways to constantly reshape myself and create opportunities for others to overcome their challenges. Resilience, for me, means continually growing and redefining who I am, no matter the obstacles.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the founder and president of Tutors Connects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, personalized tutoring to students who need extra support to thrive academically. The idea was born from my own experiences navigating the challenges of being a special education student and realizing how important it is to have accessible resources and compassionate guidance. Tutors Connects aims to bridge the gap for students, especially those facing language barriers or other obstacles that limit parental support.
What makes Tutors Connects special is its focus on inclusivity and empowerment. We don’t just help students with academics; we help them build confidence and discover their potential. The program started as a school club in 2022 and has since expanded to serve communities in Doral and Hialeah Gardens. I’m thrilled to announce that we’re now supporting the creation of a new chapter.
I’m also honored to share that I’ve recently been nominated for the Silver Knight Award in the Math category. This recognition celebrates not only academic excellence but also community service and leadership, which aligns perfectly with the mission of Tutors Connects. It’s a reminder of how impactful this program has been, not just for the students we serve but also for the volunteers and community as a whole.
In addition to tutoring, I’ve written and published two guides: Unlocking Potential: A Guide to Academic Success Through Personalized Learning and Empowering Communities: A Comprehensive Guide to Tutors Connects. These books highlight the strategies and principles that drive the success of Tutors Connects and offer insights for others interested in starting similar programs.
Looking ahead, I am committed to expanding Tutors Connects to more communities across Florida and beyond, with plans to establish a branch in Venezuela to provide resources and educational support to students in underserved areas. By extending the program internationally, I aim to address educational inequities and empower students facing barriers to success. My ultimate goal is to ensure that no student feels left behind, giving them the tools and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential, just as I did.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge in my journey have been resilience, empathy and communication skills, and leadership and organization. Growing up with Dyslexia, ADHD, and ODD, I faced challenges that could have easily derailed my academic and personal growth. However, resilience allowed me to push through setbacks and view obstacles as opportunities for growth. It has been crucial in maintaining my drive and finding creative solutions to problems, whether in tutoring, managing a club, or balancing multiple roles. My empathy and communication skills were also essential, especially as I developed the Tutors Connects program. Understanding the needs of others and communicating effectively allowed me to connect with people, build strong relationships, and convey ideas. Finally, leadership and organization were significant in managing projects like Tutors Connects, fundraising for Mu Alpha Theta, and coordinating community service efforts. Planning, delegating, and following through on tasks were vital to making these initiatives successful.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing these qualities by seeking out challenges that push you, being patient with your growth, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks—they are learning opportunities. Practice listening and understanding others’ perspectives to improve communication and rapport. And finally, take on responsibilities, even small ones, to develop leadership and organizational skills early. These qualities will help you navigate the challenges and grow into your potential.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The Tutors Connects community has been my pillar in helping me overcome challenges and build the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge I need to be successful. From the beginning, the program’s support, collaboration, and shared experiences have been invaluable. When I first started the program, I was navigating my challenges, including managing my disabilities. The community’s tutors, mentors, and students helped me realize I wasn’t alone in facing obstacles. They encouraged me to keep pushing forward, even when things seemed overwhelming. The unwavering love and support they showed me, personally and professionally, were critical in helping me persevere.
Whether it was brainstorming solutions for tutoring challenges or finding ways to organize better and promote our initiatives, I always had people around me who provided advice, guidance, and reassurance. Their belief in my ability to succeed, even when I doubted myself, pushed me to keep going. This support was not just practical but emotional as well. The Tutors Connects community consistently showed love through encouragement, acts of kindness, and the simple but powerful gesture of being there for each other. Knowing that I had a team that genuinely cared about my success and the well-being of others helped me stay motivated and reminded me of the deeper purpose behind our work.
Beyond academic support, the Tutors Connects community fostered an environment of trust and mutual respect, allowing me to strengthen my communication skills, learn to lead with empathy, and improve my organizational abilities. Every meeting, tutoring session, and event I participated in helped me develop new strategies for balancing my responsibilities and achieving goals. Working with others in this community has also helped me grow, teaching me the importance of collaboration, active listening, and problem-solving in real-world situations.
The belief and dedication that the community has shown toward the mission of Tutors Connects continue to inspire me. Their constant love, encouragement, and sense of collective purpose have fueled my passion for helping others, reinforcing my commitment to tutoring and community service. The strength and resilience of the group have kept me going, reminding me that no matter the obstacles I face, I am part of a network that will always support me. This sense of belonging and shared purpose has motivated me and played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, helping me continue to grow personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tutors-Connects.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutors_connects/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-m-palacios-115711243
Image Credits
@Tutors_connects
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