In some ways, Maeshowe Pierce was a SMARTie before she ever volunteered with SMART Reading.
A decade ago, Maeshowe moved to the McMinnville area with her family. As a naturopathic doctor and new mother, making sure her kids had reading time was not her top priority. It was lucky, then, that she happened to move across the street from Jodi Kneeland, long-time SMART Coordinator and champion for literacy. Jodi read to Maeshowe’s kids for years, and still does to this day!
“I get emotional even talking about it . . . as a parent, there’s so much pressure to achieve all these goals, so it was really nice to have a community member take that off my plate,” Maeshowe says.
Maeshowe holds a scientific view of literacy, often referencing studies that demonstrate reading’s ability to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s. She attributes her children’s development into active readers and writers to the support of Jodi and SMART. So when Jodi asked her to volunteer at Sue Buel Elementary this year, Maeshowe didn’t hesitate to give back to her community.
It was a decision that has been made all the more meaningful due to her connection with one of the students she reads with every week: Giavonna. Giavonna has a disability that can make communication a challenge. The first week they read together, Giavonna didn’t seem as interested in books as some of her classmates—something that Maeshowe could relate to.
“I was not a good reader. I could read the words, but I didn’t understand what it meant and I’m not the best auditory learner,” Maeshowe says, reflecting on her childhood. “When someone reads aloud, I just tune out and leave my body. And so I have this sort of empathy with children learning to read.”
It wasn’t until Giavonna chose a sing-along book from SMART’s collection that something finally clicked.
“We started singing, and I’ll never forget how she just beamed and became fully engaged,” Maeshowe recalls. “It was the best—she was so into it! She loves to use her body, just wanting to dance and bop her head. I’m honestly not a singer; my kids can’t believe I do this, but I love it.”
Ever since then, even if the book is not a traditional sing-along title, Maeshowe finds a way to put a melody to its message. She tells us that Giavonna’s classroom aid says singing goes beyond the page for Giavonna now; every day she expresses herself through song. The power of a book helped Giavonna find connection, and cemented Maeshowe’s belief in SMART.
“I think reading is really liberating. Having one-on-one time where it’s not about shame, just about discovery—it ended up cracking something open for someone who I’m not sure would have discovered it easily,” Maeshowe says. “I feel really grateful to have done this, and it’s humbling too…And so I wish even more people would take an hour out of their day to volunteer.”
Pictured: SMART Reading partners Maeshowe Pierce and Giavonna at Sue Buel Elementary in McMinnville.