Planting Seeds of Learning 9/20/2025 Library Tutoring

Authored by Cielle Chan

This Saturday marked the launch of Infinity Lab’s tutoring program at San Diego libraries. We began with our very first singing session in the southern part of the city, followed by an art class in the afternoon.

For months, we had been reaching out to libraries with proposals, securing permissions, and making reservations. It wasn’t until about a month ago that dates and times were officially confirmed. The libraries supported us by promoting the program both online and onsite, but since the program was brand new, no students had registered. Even so, we decided to move forward, using this first day as a chance to lay the groundwork for future sessions.

We started at a Library with our first singing lesson. There weren’t many children, and none had come specifically for our class. But thanks to Mr. A, the branch manager, we were warmly welcomed with a table at the entrance where we could introduce Infinity Lab to families and share flyers about our programs. His support made it possible for us to start planting the seeds of this initiative.

Michelle Lee joined me for the launch, and I’m so grateful for her energy and support. Together, we gave a short preview performance of Sesere Eeye, which caught the attention of families and sparked some wonderful conversations. Parents shared feedback, and several children expressed curiosity about joining in the future. While we didn’t get to teach that morning, we left with excitement for what’s ahead.

Afterwards, we headed to another nearby Library for the art session led by Alice. From the moment we arrived, I was touched by the support of Mrs. C, the librarian. She had carefully displayed our flyers throughout the library and personally showed us around and provided Alice with paper, colored pencils, and other art supplies.

She reserved a special learning place for us, called Children’s nook where the sun beamed down upon us with many circular tables and minature chairs for the children to learn.

At first, no students showed up, as expected, since no one had signed up online, but Alice still prepared for her class. But after Mrs.C announced the class over the PA system, three children came over to join. Soon after, two more trickled in.

Alice started with shading and shadowing techniques, patiently guiding the group while I moved around to help the students follow along.

Later, she introduced anatomy and drawing the human body, while I worked with the younger kids in experimenting with color and rainbows. What began as a quiet corner soon transformed into a lively workshop filled with laughter, focus, and bright sketches.

We wrapped up at 4 p.m. with a sense of accomplishment on this first day. We’re excited to return in two weeks, ready to keep building, creating, and inspiring together.

Vocal Tutor: Cielle Chan

Art Tutor: Alice Ouyang