Penny Povlock has tutored an estimated 60 students in accounting and other business courses. She will continue helping others through classes as she works on her master’s degree.
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A full-time job. A family. Volunteer work. And classes to finish a bachelor’s degree in accounting at IU South Bend.
All that would sound like a full schedule to most people. However, it is not quite enough hands-on involvement for Penny Povlock, 46.
This past semester, Povlock tutored seven students. She invested nearly 10 hours per week helping others understand accounting, business law, economics and tax. They talked on the phone and met after class in restaurants and in hallways.
For five years, she has kept up this schedule with plenty of help at home from family and friends, and a boundless supply of energy. She estimates she has worked with 50 to 60 students, and she often gets return clients. Others said it is double that number of students.
“I like to help. There is nothing greater than seeing a smile when a light bulb comes on, and a student finally gets it. I’ve been called a mother hen. Others say it is a gift,” she said.
Patricia Agbetsiafa, director of business and economics administration and student services, said Pavlock has given hope to students who were on the verge of dropping a class. She gives them direction and skills for the course. “She tells them to hang in there. Somehow, she unlocks the secret for them. She is a rare individual, a model student.”
Povlock began tutoring because, as a nontraditional student, she needed help. “I was out of school 21 years. I had no one to talk to in class. I couldn’t bounce an idea off anyone. Fortunately, I had a friend who is an accountant, and she helped me,” she said.
Povlock said students often are absorbed in the whole picture rather than just part of the story. “I think that comes from being a mom that you can focus on what is important at the time. I live to help.”
Povlock began her work for a master’s degree in accounting this semester. Eventually, she would like to continue teaching. “I found out that’s what I love to do. I want to give to students and the school what has been given to me.”
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