Change for Kids

Has your definition of community service changed as a result of this experience? If so, how and why has it changed?

My definition of community service has not changed as a result of this experience.  If anything, it has reinforced what I consider community service to be.  I am glad I was able to make a difference in the lives of my two tutees, even if I only saw them on Friday mornings for an hour each.  Giving back to the community, helping those in need, even in this small way is what community service is all about.

What impact has this particular community service experience had on you as a person and as a scholar?

Wow, this experience has definitely taught me the importance of commitment, responsibility and patience.  These are traits one needs as a scholar.  It was not always fun to wake up early on my day off from school, but seeing how the kids benefited and enjoyed this one-to-one lesson was really rewarding.  I always left with a feeling of accomplishment.  It has taught me the importance of giving back, because unfortunately and sadly most people don’t bother seeing beyond their own interests.

Has this community service experience influenced your desire to continue performing community service at this location? Why or why not? If you would like to explore a different community service experience, where would that be and why?

If my schedule permits it, I would love to continue working with Change For Kids.  I think this organization has an amazing cause and wants to help them in any way possible.  I like working with people and working with these kids has been a really rewarding and fun experience.

Did you discover that this community service experience is connected to larger political, social, cultural, and economic issues? Is it connected to topics/issues you have discussed in any of your classes? How does this differ from the way you responded to this question in your first Blog post? Explain.

This experience is definitely connected to larger political and economic issues. When there are budget cuts, the under-resourced schools, like P.S. 243 are the ones hit the hardest.  Their enrichment programs such as music and after school programs end, and this has a tremendous impact on the education and future of these children.  There are 501 high poverty rate schools in New York City.  Sadly, the schools that this organization is working with are not the only ones facing this problem.

Has your definition of community service changed as a result of this experience? If so, how and why has it changed?

Not necessarily. My definition for community service has been the same, rather the importance of it has changed. I realize just how important community service is, and just how far a little help can do for many people around you.

·         What impact has this particular community service experience had on you as a person and as a scholar?

It has made me a more patient.

·         Has this community service experience influenced your desire to continue performing community service at this location? Why or why not? If you would like to explore a different community service experience, where would that be and why?

I would love to continue working with this organization. Change for Kids really is a brilliant organization who does care for the children and neighborhoods that they represent.

·         Did you discover that this community service experience is connected to larger political, social, cultural, and economic issues? Is it connected to topics/issues you have discussed in any of your classes? How does this differ from the way you responded to this question in your first Blog post? Explain.

Most definitely, especially working in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood. You can really see how important this kind of help is for these children. Many people, politicians as well, would like to write off these kids because of the neighborhood they live in. They get unfair treatment, and it shows sometimes in the amount of help and support they get from government and society. Change for Kids, I feel, helps balance the scales. These kids really deserve a chance. Working with them hands on I see just how special they are.

Stephen