From English learner to mentor: Maryam Basiri gives back through summer learning

Class was in session on a July morning at Dyer-Kelly Elementary School’s Camp Invention summer program. At one classroom table, student intern Maryam Basiri sat beside a first-grade student as they mixed the ingredients for homemade slime. The young student smiled as she looked over at Basiri for reassurance. 

Just a few years ago, she was a student at Dyer-Kelly, learning English, adjusting to a new country and building the confidence to find her voice. Today, the incoming Mira Loma High School senior returned to the same school as a mentor as part of San Juan Unified School District's paid summer internship program, helping younger multilingual learners build confidence in themselves.

A new beginning

After moving from Afghanistan to California, Basiri enrolled in the third grade at Dyer-Kelly. 

“When you first move to a new country, everything is new and those first experiences are what shape your views on the country and the culture,” she said. “Dyer-Kelly was a great community; I just felt so welcomed, which is why I love coming back here.”

In her early school experience in America, like many students who arrive in a new country, Basiri had to learn a new language while adjusting to a new school, new classmates and a new culture. 

Learning English became one of her biggest goals, not only for herself, but also to help her family. 

She knew that if she struggled to communicate, her parents were experiencing many of the same challenges. Becoming fluent in English would allow her to better support them as they navigated life in a new community.

“I'm most proud of always believing in myself and the people that I gathered around myself. I have a great support system from my friends, my family and adults that I work with, the adults that taught me English,” expressed Basiri. 

By seventh grade, she had been reclassified as Fluent English Proficient. 

For her, reclassification represented more than reaching a milestone. It reflected years of perseverance, determination and the encouragement of teachers, family members and peers who believed in her potential.

Coming full circle

Years later, that same determination led Basiri to discover another passion: helping other students succeed.

During her sophomore year at Mira Loma, Basiri served as a teacher’s assistant in her history class. Recognizing her ability to connect with students, her teacher encouraged her to apply for San Juan Unified's paid summer internship program.

Basiri first joined the program in 2025 at Del Paso Manor Elementary School, supporting kindergarten through second-grade students. A year later, she found herself interning at her old elementary school. 

“It's full circle for her to be here; she's walked in the path of many of these students,” shared Dyer-Kelly Principal Jamal Hicks. “She comes from the same neighborhood as a student, so she knows exactly what goes on and everything.”

Throughout the summer, Basiri has supported Dyer-Kelly’s teachers with classroom activities and worked with students. For her, the biggest highlight was encouraging young learners who are still building confidence in English and in themselves.

She has seen her impact in different ways, but there is one moment that stands out to her. After noticing a student spending recess alone, Basiri learned he wanted to play soccer with other students, but didn't know how to join the game. She encouraged him, walked onto the field with him and helped him take those first steps toward making new friends.

“I don't want any of them to feel like they're alone or anything; that's why we're here so we can support them,” she expressed.

Through her experience as a summer intern, she emphasized learning from the adults and students. 

“I've learned that you have to take it slow,” she shared. “You learn how to react in real time; everyone reacts differently to instructions, and you have to respond based on their reaction.”

Those lessons have strengthened her leadership skills while reminding her of the patience and encouragement that once helped her succeed.

As she prepares for her senior year, Basiri is still exploring what she hopes to study in college, but one thing she does know is that she wants to enjoy her last year. She got ahead of that goal by making memories through this internship. 

For younger multilingual students, she hopes her journey serves as a reminder that learning English takes time, asking for help is a strength and every small step forward matters.

San Juan Unified's paid student mentor internship program provides high school students with opportunities to support classrooms during summer learning while developing leadership, communication and career-readiness skills. By working alongside teachers and building relationships with younger students, interns gain valuable experience while helping create welcoming learning environments where every student can thrive.