Gong, Tayeba, and I went to an elementary school in Chelsea. The school was not far away from Baruch so after staying in the library, I walked to the school and met with the group. Our job was to help taking care of elementary students while we take them to Rubin Museum of Art and tour as well. There were about seven kids and nine adults including our group. One adult, or two, was assigned to one student.
When I first signed up for this community service, I thought that it would be a great way to meet elementary students and tour Rubin Museum. I was very excited to be involved in the community service. And I was happy to spend my time and energy to help the students.
Other people who were involved were very excited as well. This lady I got to know was in charge of two kids and she talked to them as if she knew them for a long time. It was hard for me to connect with my kid that I was in charge.
The most trying experience was to connect with the kid that I had to take care of. She barely talked to me even when I asked her questions. It seemed as though she needed more time to connect with strangers. Others seemed very talkative on the other hand.
By doing the community service, I realized that there are less people to be in charge of children’s afterschool activities. It is one of the larger issues in society. There is no one to supervise children. Therefore, there are less and less afterschool activities. It can be a big problem since by having activities after school children experience more and think more as well.
My community service experience related to the leadership and service session because we had to lead children as guides. We had to make sure that no children snuck out or left alone.
Doing community service as whole made it more fun. When I volunteered at a public library, I organized returned materials alone. Having someone with you, no matter what you do, is always fun, I think. And the idea of helping someone is wonderful as well.
Even though I was not able to connect with the assigned kid personally, I was very satisfied. I completed my job and achieved the goal of taking care of kids safely.
I do see myself staying involved in the community. I am actually thinking of going and helping out again before Christmas. And if there are any opportunities to volunteer, I would love to do it again.
As a one sentence headline I would sum up the experience as “Three Baruch Students Help elementary School Students with Creativity and Guidance.”
