The steady stream of new and returning students in Dian Odell's computer classes show the value of her approach to training. 

"I love teaching the 'intro' courses for people who say 'either I am going to throw my computer from a bridge or I am going to jump.' When we back up to the basics and approach it step by step they say 'Oh, I can do that!' You don't need too many of those moments to know that it matters," says Odell, who has become a key leader of the Portland OASIS volunteer team.

"Dian is so gentle and patient; she empowers even the most computer-phobic individuals to feel they can master the necessary skills," says director Robin Costic.

Odell learned about OASIS through a friend. "She had a new computer but was afraid to open the box so I helped her get it going. A few months later I heard from her again. After taking some computer classes at OASIS, she bought a scanner and set it up herself."

Odell has helped hundreds of people as a volunteer computer instructor.

"I try to help them feel in control of the computer. That first stage of getting it to make sense is so important," she says. In Getting Acquainted with Computers, she has students take the computer mouse apart, clean it, and see how it works. One woman told her that experience was worth the whole price of the class.

"We have a whole range of students from people who are given a computer by their grandchildren to those who want to get back in the work force and realize they need to update their skills."

Besides the group classes, Odell offers one-on-one computer tutoring sessions on any topic they choose. Odell helped a woman who was starting a business create spreadsheets for financial information and a brochure about her services.

"It's always a positive experience to train someone and see that they understand it, and it's even better when they take it over. I love doing it!"

Learn more about becoming a Connections volunteer.