The last thing Ron Strzelecki expected upon retiring from his career in manufacturing sales was finding a love for tutoring at SLD Read – but the opportunity ended up being a full circle moment for him. 

Strzelecki, a Kalamazoo resident since 1972, is a big believer in the power of reading. So much so, in fact, that he nearly became an early elementary teacher. 

“I started at Western Michigan University, but when I did my student teaching, I said, this isn’t gonna work,” says Strzelecki. “So I went into business and just kind of set it aside.” 

Years later, a month before retiring, Strzelecki was paging through the Kalamazoo Gazette. When he discovered an advertisement for tutoring at SLD Read, Strzelecki immediately knew it was where he belonged. He applied, retired from his career January 1, and was in tutor training by the end of the month. 

“It’s something I was interested in,” says Strzelecki. “I’ve always been a voracious reader, and a big, big supporter of the Kalamazoo Promise. I thought, well, this is perfect. Something to do in retirement and something in my wheelhouse.” 

Though his love of reading and his passion for the Kalamazoo Promise were the reasons for Strzelecki joining SLD Read, his purpose in staying is different. Strzelecki has an appreciation for the thrilling, audacious personalities of the kids that he tutors, and the adventures that occur because of them. 

“Every day is different,” says Strzelecki. “As you know, it depends on the mood they’re in. Sometimes, sessions are not so good, and then other days, it’s like, wow. That was a really good day.”

He continues: “They always surprise you with things they say.” 

Strzelecki’s advice to his students is to never stop reading, regardless of how or what. 

“Read,” says Strzelecki. “Just read and read and read. Find something you like, find something of interest, and read about it.”