The next two hours of volunteering made an even bigger impact on me. It was one of the very first times where I went around recycling with the students and it was a great experience. They all work so efficiently and love to go out and recylce. When Marjan and I first walked into room 28 we were greeted by everybody and the kids were all in a good mood, which was great because when they're in good moods it makes you feel good as well. That day it was one of my very first times meeting Allison, she's the sweetest and most energetic girl ever. When she found out we were going out to recylce she immediately shouted, "Recycling baby! Yeaaahhh!". Marjan and I couldn't help but smile and laugh a little because it was the cutest thing ever. Although I had never met Allison before that day she was very social with me and immediately liked me, which made me feel good!
So that day we made our way over to the downstairs E-building to go recycle. Ethan and Shubeendu were the two who were really into recycling, they worked so fast and moved onto the next classroom before we finished the previous class. When Shubeendu needed help he called me over to help him and I was glad he asked me for help instead of just trying to do it all on his own. As we got further down the hall towards the end of the building Bryan called me over and yelled "James is getting away!", so I went outside and James was walking around by the restrooms. I just kept an eye on him while everyone else was helping recycle, it wasn't the first time James left us so I made sure he wouldn't get very far. I thought it was so cute because Bryan and I were just standing there making sure James didn't leave but Bryan kept saying, "I told you he was trying to get away... look." I couldn't help but smile because it showed me how much they all care for eachother, and although they may not always get along they will always be concerned about the others.
The next few days Jessie and I took Alex and Shubeendu out to play basketball. They both love getting out of the classroom and going to play basketball! They get so excited, especially Shubeendu, because he wanted to run over to the student center, grab the basketballs, and then run over to the courts and play. Jessie and I aren't the greatest at basketball so Alex showed us how to hold the ball when we were getting ready to shoot. The first day it was just the four of us, Alex actually shares the ball but Shubeendu on the other hand likes to keep it to himself. So Jessie and Alex played on one side of the court and Shubeendu and I on the other. I just shagged the ball for Shubeendu when it went far and gave it to him so he could shoot some more. The next day we went to play again and this time a few people walking around during Husky Period stopped by to play with us. Alex interacted very well with the people who would stop by but Shubeendu went to the other side of the court and was alone until I decided to join him. I asked him why he didn't want to play with the other kids and he didn't say anything. I think he is just shy! As one girl walked by though he shot for her, unfortunately he missed but she told him it was ok. Spending time with these students really is great, I don't think I could have picked a better place to volunteer. People see these kids and think they may not be the "same" as everyone else, but I see them as the same. They are kids who love to have fun and make a difference, like recycling for example, and using what they learned and applying it to the world around them.
1 comment:
This is one of the best posts I've read, so kudos first of all. You write well and express yourself well (not a lot of people can do that in high school or at any age really so you should seriously feel accomplished)
I like the growing number of people who are working with these kids. It's important because you don't always see them at school depending on your classes and what route you take... Basically, not being exposed to something and then being exposed to it later in life is the thing that creates hate. People tend to be uneducated and not used to others who have any sort of disorder, illness, call it what you will. When you aren't used to something it's more likely to appear to be weird. And after all people are afraid of things they know nothing about and fear sprouts into hate because, well, it just does sometimes.
I always tell myself I'll type just a baby paragraph and end up ranting about something. Oh well I guess.
This is one rant I don't necessarily feel weird about though because it's all relevant as far I see. It's also an issue kind of close to me. I have a family member with a mental illness and she isn't always treated the best, you know? It's difficult and so... this post strikes a cord.
I don't know you, but I'm still confident when I say I'm proud of you, REALLY proud, because like many other people, you've volunteered and CLEARLY made a difference, and exhibited some serious maturity.
Rant over. Best wishes for your Equity 4 post.
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