Every time I visit the students, I seem to learn about them more and more. Few days ago, Ethan told me, "I'm going to a dance Friday!" I was really interested in knowing more about, so he took me to their calendar, and it showed "Special Ed's Ball" on May 11th. When I saw this, it really opened my eyes. I loved how the school treat these kids just like any other students on campus. I was really delightful how they get to experience this. I told Ethan to tell me all about it on Monday - I cannot wait to hear it all! I also loved how all of them treat each other like family. For example, Shbeendu and Alex are always together. I played basketball with them once, and they get along really well. After we were done playing, we were walking back to class, Alex said to Shbeendu, "Hey Shbeendu, are you thirsty? Do you want water?" Alex has a really warm heart, and he cares a lot for Shbeendu. It was also really nice how all the students cooked for Mrs. Bauer's class. I was there to try out the food. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures, but I do have some when they were setting up the tables. I could see the happiness on their face when they know Mrs. Bauer's students were coming down to see them. It was priceless.
I really liked what I experienced this week with these amazing kids. There's never a time I felt unwelcome around them. I cannot wait to hear what Ethan have to say about their ball. I promised Shbeendu and Alex that I will play basketball on Monday. I can't wait to see them again. I'm happy to see that our school has the same experiences for every students on campus, even if they're "different."
Taking a picture awhile waiting for Mrs. Bauer's class.
Shbeendu didn't want a retake, but took one anyway.
When Ethan showed me their calendar for their Special Ed's Ball.
Setting up the cups, napkins, and forks for Mrs. Bauer's class.
Coloring with Cosmo, Maria, Allison, and Alxea.
6 comments:
A lot of people have been volunteering at some awesome places and doing things that require maturity, this is no exception.
Working with people with special needs requires patience and kindness and honestly, not a lot of high schoolers have that. Not a lot of PEOPLe have that, period. It shows something about your character and what kind of person you are. It shows a lot of good traits you possess.
For future advice (if you ever struggle with the upcoming volunteering experiences) remember that every negative moment you encounter is just a way to prepare you for more later on in life.
I don't know if it applies to you, but if it does, well there you go. I think that this is a good way of looking at all negative things, and I had some negative times when I volunteered with kids the first time around.
Just some food for thought I guess.
Good going.
PS. Remember that what you're doing is important. People with special needs most likely have dealt with bullying or lonliness and you spending time with them is probably a very comforting thing.
I really like the fact that these students are being able to hang out with outside world since it isn’t always that we see them interacting with other classes. We usually only see them a little during lunch and when they do recycling. I hope you are really enjoying the experience know from past experience that this kids are so caring. I really felt like donating my time with this kids but I felt like it wouldn’t fell right for this project since I have done it before so it would feel like it’s for pleasure instead of volunteering.
Corrina Fernandez: Aw, thanks! You're so sweet. Working with these students are difficult, because like you said, you need patience and kindness.
Amanda C: Yes, that's the only time you see them. But do you see people on our campus actually go up to them and simply just greet to them? Not really. That's what it needs to change, because they need to feel welcome being here too.
I really enjoy helping with the students, they are so sweet and they are very intelligent as well. I appreciate the staff that guide this class because they try to make the world around the students as what the stereotypical "normal" should be, they have hands on experiences which helps them. As far as their niceness, I think everyone should learn how to be nice because many of the students at our own school do not know how to be nice to them.
I really like wht you said about the secial ed ball. I never knew that they would have that. It makes me really proud to be apart of a school that does so much for all their students. It was great how you listened to the student and incorporated your conversation in this blog. You sound very exicited to hear about Ethan's experience. I think that is one of the things that is important to have when you volunteer at place like this. You need to be excited and have good conversations with the students.. and you did that! You sound like you had a really good time. Great job! :)
Post a Comment