Scotch Plains Sophomore Helps Fellow Student Read

Scotch Plains, NJ -- With a little bit of patience and kindness, a Scotch Plains sophomore is making a difference every week in at least one fellow student’s life.

Nina Halberstadter, who attends Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, volunteers her time every Tuesday at the Plainfield Library where she helps younger students with homework.

“I used to help my friends and I really liked it,” Halberstadter said. ”I always enjoyed helping younger kids.”

Volunteering at the beginning of the school year, Halberstadter would help students with everything from reading to math and history.

Her time at the library has made a particular impact on a fellow Scotch Plains student, Imani Peterman.

Peterman, who is in third grade at School One, is dyslexic and didn’t like reading publicly.

“She was shy and scared to read to Nina because she doesn’t like to read out loud,” Cynthia Peterman said of her daughter Imani. “Nina told her to take her time, ‘You can do it. Just sound it out.’ Encouraging her."

“Basically my daughter read a whole chapter and got through it,” Cynthia continued. “Ever since then she has been on a roll with a reading. Nina helped boost her confidence.”

With the help of Halberstadter, Imani now looks for opportunites to read out loud. She reads to her 8-month-old cousin and to her mom.

Cynthia noted Imani is also reading at a higher level.

“Reading was something that was very difficult for Imani,” Cynthia said. “She got help at school but her working with Nina is way better than any help she could’ve ever gotten, better than by any professional. Nina is a young girl that Imani can relate to her. She is sweet and soft spoken.”

Halberstadter is still deciding on colleges and what her future will bring.

"Being a teacher is in the back of my mind," Halberstadter said.

Visit Nina at the Plainfield Library every Tuesday after school at 800 Park Avenue in Plainfield.