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Tutoring Children Inspires Ohio Wesleyan Student to Add Educational Studies Minor
Name: Nathan Dacek '27
Hometown: Bay Village, Ohio
High School: Bay High School
Major: Health and Human Kinetics
Minors: Educational Studies and Nutrition
OWU Connection Experience: Tutoring children through the Bishop Scholars Program
After fall semesters on the football field, Dacek has worked during the 2025 and 2026 spring semesters as a Literacy and Math tutor for children at both Delaware City School District's Schultz Elementary School and Columbus City School District's Devonshire Elementary School. The Bishop Scholars Program seeks to help children recover learning lost during the pandemic.
Why This Experience?
"I became a part of Bishop Scholars in the spring of 2025 to try something new and step out of my academic interests. As time went on when I was in the program, I began to love what I was doing."
It would not only brighten their day but would also brighten my day knowing that I get to have the opportunity to help them learn and grow.
My Favorite Moments
"My favorite moment of Bishop Scholars was to see the students' faces light up every time I pulled them from their classrooms. It would not only brighten their day but would also brighten my day knowing that I get to have the opportunity to help them learn and grow."
Lessons Learned
"The biggest lesson that I learned from this experience is to take the opportunities that are given to you, even if they may not interest you. By trying Bishop Scholars for the first time, I gained experiences that I never expected to enjoy. Those experiences ultimately led me to pursue a minor in Educational Studies.
"Bishop Scholars matters to me because the program has shown me what I want to pursue and has helped me prepare for my future goals and aspirations."
Mentoring the Mentor
Kerri Robe, assistant program manager and coordinator for Bishop Scholars, has mentored Dacek during his time as a tutor.
"Kerri is the sweetest and most caring person that I know. She has given me so many opportunities within the program, and I am super grateful that she believed in me and trusted me with those responsibilities. Her support has made a lasting impact on both my growth and my future."
Campus Involvements
Dacek is a member of the Ohio Wesleyan football team and president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I chose Ohio Wesleyan University because of how it felt like home when I first stepped on campus. I also felt like with small class sizes I would be able to have a more personal connection with my professors."
My Plans After Graduation
"My plans after graduation are to go to graduate school and earn my master's in education. My ultimate goal is to become a physical education teacher and football coach.
"OWU has prepared me to reach these goals by providing a wide range of opportunities through campus organizations, which have helped me develop leadership skills, personal growth, and the ability to work collaboratively with others."