This Thursday, I had the pleasure of tutoring fourth and fifth graders at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. I assisted with their math and english homework, as well as talked with a few of the students about their books.
What I took away most from this session was that the students are very fortunate to have teachers and volunteers to run an after-school program like this one. This program is two hours long and each student has the opportunity to choose two hour-long activities ranging from a STEM activity, art project, homework help or extra gym class. After leaving the program, these students can go home with their homework completed and doing additional extracurricular activities to their liking.
Compared to when I was in elementary school, programs like this were not around, and we could either go home or stay in the “after-care” program run by the local YMCA. Overall, these students are very fortunate to have an after-school program with so many options to spend their time after school.

Last week I volunteered at BJM Elementary School for the first time (the students were let out early on Week 1 before I arrived). I volunteered in the art room and saw the interesting dynamic of kindergartner social interactions.

Upon arriving I was paired up with a little girl who was sitting alone. We made jack-o-lanterns out of Play-Doh before she was picked up early. Later, I talked with the kindergarten teachers who told me that the girl I had spent time with missed the first two weeks because she was sick, and that children often have trouble communicating that they are lonely. They explained that as children develop they become better at initiating interaction and expressing their feelings.

Although small children definitely require more attention than adults and cannot always explain their needs, volunteering reminded me that even my own peers can struggle to communicate feelings. I feel like in my day-to-day life I should reach out to others more, even if they haven’t expressed loneliness or a desire to talk about issues they are facing, because company in itself can be very effective.

I had really been looking forward to volunteering at BJM Elementary from the moment I found out about the opportunity. Unfortunately, my serious lack of  luck with commuting put a serious damper on my mood. On the first Thursday of my service, I arrived at BJM shamefully late, extremely irritated, utterly cold, and overall upset. Thankfully, as worthwhile things usually have a way of turning up, the minute I met Ms. Stacy, the Assistant Director, my sour mood completely vanished. Her smile lit up the room and her kindness and understanding made me remember why I had applied to help in the first place. The school’s environment was warm and welcoming. The kids radiated with cheerfulness and energy. “What’s your name?” she asked.

My heart filled with excitement.

Ms. Stacy started off by showing me around and informing me on the afternoon system. She finished the orientation by bringing me to the Craft room where I was introduced to two of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. They were so hospitable, urging me to sit down and color with the kids while they brought me some refreshments, apple cider and donut holes. My smile felt permanent. They were so kindhearted and friendly, asking me about my background and schooling, as well as sharing about themselves and their homes. “What’s your name?” they asked.

My heart filled with warmth.

For the rest of the afternoon, I sat in between a third grade girl who had been to Spain and loved to draw dragons and a first grade boy who played lacrosse and loved to play guessing games. I met two other little girls, one who’s sister went to Cornell and the other who’s dad was from Ethiopia. I met a few boys who liked to make pretend food out of play-do and bring them to the girls. They were a shy, but lively bunch of kids. It took them some time to adjust to my presence, but soon enough, they were telling me stories, bringing me toys, and drawing me pictures. “What’s your name?” they giggled.

My heart filled with joy.

“It’s Paola. What’s yours?”

My first volunteer experience with BJM was very exciting and very cute! I was in the Maker room where there were some puzzles and a whole assortment of board games. I started trying to build a puzzle of NYC with two of the kids who were trying to complete it. Naturally, they got bored and went around to do something else. They even used their own imagination to create their own games, playing that they were in a spaceship heading for the moon. But as they lost interest, other kids would get interested and join in.

While I was there, it was interesting how excited the kids were to meet someone new. They wanted you to play with them or join their section. Even the kids who got bored of playing with the puzzle would come back to show me what they have created, making sure that I was still paying attention to them. It was a great experience and a welcome change from classes; I look forward to the next visit.

After a nauseating bus ride, let off at the wrong street, I walked through the rain with my friend’s borrowed umbrella a couple blocks to the school. I was excited and nervous, for I did not know what to expect. I made my way to a little classroom, with things smaller than I remembered for an elementary school, and plenty of happy kids greeted my ears. This classroom was my spot for the next hour, and I was happy to meet some new faces. I ended up playing Trouble with a cute pair of twins who shamelessly cheated the whole game, and simultaneously wrote notes about video games back and fourth with a young boy. It was nice. Children are so pure, and mean what they say. It was refreshing be away from Cornell and the stress of competition for an hour. Sure enough, the hour was short lived and ended with a little boy who filled my heart with warmth. The children where lead through a deep breathing exercise on the carpet in an effort to calm them down. The lights were off and the kids were meant to get comfortable. I was sitting cross legged in a tiny chair. This little boy plopped right down on the carpet in front of me and leaned against my protruding leg. I shifted a bit to give him some room and he just slid down to lay flat on his back on the floor. Looking up at me, he raised his arm perpendicular to the floor, towards my face looking down at him. For no reason at all, I playfully touched his little outreached palm. In return he wrapped his whole hand around my pointer finger. So gentle and small, he held my hand the whole time, readjusting his grip if his hand started to slip. He looked up at me with sleepy eyes and filled my heart with goodness. The innocence of childhood is good for the soul, and I am excited to go back already.

I went to help the children

At the BJM Elementary building

To take part in their makerspace;

What a delight had taken place.

 

Mr. Vittucci led the session,

Keeping everyone’s attention in his possession.

He taught hammers, nails, and screws,

The importance of safety to avoid cut and bruise.

 

As someone who wants to one day teach

and give back through communal outreach,

I learned a lot about handling students

(and carpentry on a work bench.)

 

I look forward to what we build next,

What imaginations I’ll see expressed.

-Hartek, the Bard