Day 2

Today we split into two groups to do two separate projects. Both service sites gave us meaningful work that was both fun, exciting, and eye opening. Group one went to Hudson K-8 and worked in a variety of classes. Some worked in a fifth grade classroom where we facilitated the designing and constructing of paper and cardboard wallets. The students produced functioning and well-designed wallets with pockets and fake money, so the project showcased the children's creativity and inventive skills. We also worked with a group of third grade boys who were practicing for a math competition, and we helped them practice their multiplication and division accuracy. Some of us went into a second grade class and taught a short lesson about conflict resolution. The children in that class talked with others in their class about things they could say to make someone stop bothering them.  The second of the group started the day in a fifth day classroom teaching reading comprehension and multiplication.  The enthusiasm the kids had for learning was inspiring.  They were also very eager to help their classmates with their work so that no student felt left out or left behind in the lesson.  The group further split with one group going to a first grade classroom to help with math and addition tables.  We sat down in small groups and helped the students through their worksheets at different stations.  The students all expressed how much they loved school and how it was the favorite part of their day.  They were really determined to get their work done right and worked diligently until their tables were perfect.  It was really cool to see so many young students dedicated not only to doing work but good work and work they could be proud of.

The other group served at George W. Carver High School. We worked with 9th graders in planning for their futures after high school graduation. We gave a presentation informing the students of the Student Directed Learning Plan which guides them in setting and writing down goals they have for themselves. This plan focused on creating a personal short-term and long-term plan for themselves that incorporated the importance of strengthening relationships and improving their leadership. This gave us the opportunity to discuss the importance of college which also gave the 9th graders a different perspective that could inspire them to actually attend a university. Throughout the presentation, we were able to help the students work through their learning plan individually which was very beneficial for them. When they were unable to write a down a specific goal, we were able to sit down with them and ask questions about their interests to spark an idea and goal they could set for themselves. It was very inspiring to see how one conversation could make an impact on their lives. We realized how important it is to have idols to look up to and it was humbling to be a group of college students they could look up to today.

When 3:25 hit, so did the masses of 12 to 18 year-olds at the Boys and Girls club, our final volunteer destination of the day. Here they all rushed to get their provided after school meal, which for the majority of these youth was the last meal that they would have for the day. This humbling realization inspired us to really make these kids feel loved and know their worth. The Boys and Girls Club provides these children with a safe and fun environment where they can let loose and relieve their stress. Here these kids have a place to get homework done, play sports, and simply have fun playing games in the rec room. We had the opportunity to interact with the kids in all of these areas. Playing with these kids allowed them to feel comfortable enough with us so that opened up about their school days and home lives. Then we were able to give them advice and truly connect with these inspirational kids; we planted seeds in these beautiful children that will grow into luscious trees that will one day bear fruit for others.