Over the last decade, Grandpa Ron, as the students call him, has volunteered thousands of hours every year to be with local school children—but it wasn’t until classes moved online due to COVID-19 that Ron Jacobson realized his impact. That impact reached far deeper than being a school volunteer. And those students were now missing the hugs he gave them every mornings.
Back in March 2020, Jacobson had already volunteered for 900 hours during the 2019-2020 school year by the time Cle Elum-Roslyn Elementary in Ronald, Washington, closed its doors and turned to online teaching.
“These kids who relied on me being there for them had suddenly lost me,” Jacobson said. “When they started doing their schoolwork online, several said that they missed Grandpa Ron. ”
The school received so many requests for Grandpa Ron that it added Jacobson’s email address and home address to the school’s online directory (通讯录), allowing students to keep in touch with Jacobson. Students immediately began sending Jacobson emails and letters and even coming to his home to check up on him and offer to walk his dog.
Jacobson now responds to each of the students, adding a bright spot to the students’ days and his own.
“I am happy to listen to the kids’ problems as well,” Jacobson said. “I have heard from school teachers and parents how much this regular communication has changed the kids’ attitudes.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars has honored Jacobson—a Vietnam veteran (老兵) —by naming him a spokesman for their campaign, StillServing, which shows many ways America’s veterans continue serving even after leaving the army.
“The Marine Corps taught me the two important things: finish the task and take care of your troops (军队). I’m still taking care of the troops,” Jacobson said.
It’s just that they are 75 years younger than he is.
24. How did the school react to the school kids’ requests?
A.It sent Jacobson to visit them in person. |
B.It asked Jacobson to write to all of them. |
C.It showed every student’s email address. |
D.It offered Jacobson’s contact information. |
25. How did Jacobson feel about the online communication with the students?
A.Pleased. | B.Worried. |
C.Tired. | D.Confused. |
26. Why was veteran Jacobson regarded a spokesman for StillServing?
A.He still served in the army. | B.He trained many volunteers. |
C.He continued to serve others. | D.He encouraged kids to serve. |
27. What does the underlined word “they” in the last paragraph refer to?
A.School teachers. | B.Vietnam veterans. |
C.Local school kids. | D.Young volunteers. |