Friday, March 19, 2010

Second Journal Reflection


Yesterday I just finished my second Service Learning visit and the first thing they had me do was help a kid with his homework. His name was Alfonso and he needed help with his Math and English. Alfonso seemed really smart for his age and caught on to both subjects really well. He finished his homework really fast which made me remember my own homework when I was his age and how I struggled to get it done.
After I was done helping Alfonso with his homework they asked me to help out with Ms. Her, the science teacher. Since the weather was so nice outside we decided to go out onto the playground. I was really mad at myself because I had forgot my camera for the project that is due after the break, but remembered that I will be back the next day and will be able to take some pictures. I also forgot how fast little kids move in the open. As I was watching some of the kids and making sure that they didn't get hurt, I saw out of the corner of my eye a soccer game! Needless to say I had to join! It reminded me of my days on the school playground playing our interpretation of soccer, because for some reason we were able to use our hands. Needless to say I had a blast playing soccer and did not want to leave but 6:00 came too fast and had to catch the bus home.
I am excited to come back for Friday and hopefully play some more soccer!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

First Journal Reflection

I have always wanted to help out at an after school program and I finally have the opportunity in this Service Learning program. Taking the 15 bus down to National Ave. was an adventure in itself! But finally getting off the bus and walking into the school was like stepping back in time to my own elementary school. The lockers were replaced with cubbies and going to the bathroom was a challenge because of the short urinals!
I had my own preconceived idea of what the children would be like going down to the south side. I initially thought that theses kids would be unruly. After meeting a couple of the children while I was filling out my paperwork they seem to be very nice and listen really well. Being in this multicultural class you would think that I would have no prejudices, but being human I did. I have also heard some stories of the south side being a "rough" area. I am sure that some of these stories are real, but after walking through part of the south side I felt just as comfortable than I would feel walking around campus on the east side at night.
Finally, everyone who works there has one thing in common, they love what they do! I consider myself lucky to be doing my service learning at Escuela Vieau, and can not wait to start my service hours.