Patricia Boyle – or “Trish” as she is better known – believes in the power of education to bring about change. For her efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of others, ABCD LearningWorks applauds her.

For the past five years, Trish has been volunteering at LearningWorks – ABCD’s downtown Boston workforce development center – offering a variety of education, training and support services for low-income adults.  For several hours a week Trish works with students in the Adult Literacy Program who are trying to get their GED. 

She instructs individuals, small groups and larger classes in the area of basic math.  LearningWorks staff members say Trish’s students admire her creative and challenging math games, but more importantly, they praise her for the level of commitment she brings to every class.    

“Trish is so important to this center and the work we do,” says Clare Shepherd, director of ABCD LearningWorks.  “Our programs are sustained by the dedication of our volunteers and we cannot thank her enough for all the tutelage she has provided to our students.”

Trish has worked for Boston University for the last 13 years as a Human Resources administrator.  She received her Bachelor of Science in management and finance from UMass-Boston and is currently studying for her master’s at Boston University.  Trish is encouraged by the sense of fulfillment she feels in helping people looking for a second chance in life.  “My students are really the ones who are doing the motivating,” she said. “Their dedication and persistence in achieving their educational goals despite the barriers that have been placed before them is truly inspiring.”